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moss #744502

Asked April 15, 2021, 1:39 PM EDT

Yard was flooded last year. Though water is now down, yard full of green moss. Much of it will need to be reseeded. Can the moss be scraped up and mulched with a lawn mower or does it need to be removed? Thanks.

Delta County Michigan

Expert Response

Hello Bruce,

Moss really needs to be removed - PLEASE READ THIS: 

Mosses are primitive forms of green plants that produce a tangled, fine-textured mat over the surface of the soil. Under optimal growth conditions, this mat can become quite thick and may spread throughout an area rather rapidly. When moss becomes a problem, it is commonly associated with one or more of the following conditions: (a) low fertility, (b) acidic soils, (c) poor drainage, (d) soil compaction, (e) heavy shade, (f) restricted air movement.

(Yours is poor drainage due to flooding)

Moss problems commonly develop where the established grass is un-adapted to the site. Selecting the proper grass species and cultivars for the site is important in avoiding a moss problem. For additional information on grass selection, refer to Extension Bulletin E-1489, Grasses For Lawns in Michigan.

For proper control, first, determine which conditions are contributing to the moss infestation, then take the necessary steps to correct these problems. Low fertility areas can be fertilized to encourage aggressive growth of the grass to crowd out the moss. If acidic soil is suspected, a soil test should be made to determine the soil pH and obtain a specific recommendation for the area. Soil tests are available through your county Cooperative Extension Service

Poor drainage can be corrected by recontouring the area to improve surface drainage or by installing subsurface drainage (drain tile, dry wells, etc.). Compaction can be reduced by coring (aerating) or slicing which will promote better rooting and more vigorous grass growth. Heavy shade can be reduced through selective pruning of trees in the area to increase light penetration. Pruning will also help increase air movement. Where heavy pruning may not be practical or desirable, consider establishing a more shade-tolerant ground cover such as Baltic ivy, pachysandra, or periwinkle. These ground covers perform quite well in the shade with minimal care, but should not be used if the area will be subject to traffic.

Moss can be chemically controlled by spraying with copper sulfate or iron sulfate at the rate of 2-5 ounces in 4 gallons of water per 1,000 square feet. However, this treatment will provide only temporary control, and corrective measures like those discussed are needed to alleviate the adverse conditions on the site. After chemical treatment, the dead moss can be raked out and bare areas reseeded or resodded. REFERENCE AT THIS LINK: https://archive.lib.msu.edu/DMC/Ag.%20Ext.%202007-Chelsie/PDF/e1516-1986-print2.pdf

Here are some other articles you may be interested in:

Repairing flooded lawns (Univ of Minnesota) at this link: https://extension.umn.edu/lawn-care/repairing-flooded-lawns

Solving Moss Problems in Lawns (University of Illinois) at this link: https://web.extension.illinois.edu/lawntalk/weeds/solving_moss_problems_in_lawns.cfm

Hope this helps!!

An Ask Extension Expert Replied April 15, 2021, 4:35 PM EDT
Thanks so much for the rapid reply.  `If I use the copper or iron sulfate, and the moss dies, does it have to be removed, or can it be mulched and raked into the soil before reseeding? 

On 4/15/2021 4:35 PM, Ask Extension wrote:
The Question Asker Replied April 15, 2021, 5:13 PM EDT

If it is completely dead I see no problem - it can be mulched and raked into the soil before re-seeding

An Ask Extension Expert Replied April 15, 2021, 5:48 PM EDT
Thank you so much. Really appreciate the help. So glad you are there. 

Peace,
Bruce Hansen

Sent from my iPhone

On Apr 15, 2021, at 5:48 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:


The Question Asker Replied April 15, 2021, 6:09 PM EDT

You are welcome - Have a great day!! 

An Ask Extension Expert Replied April 15, 2021, 6:14 PM EDT

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