How to deal with moss?

Question

I see significant moss growth on my flower beds and on my paved patio and driveway. This seems to have picked up in the fall and winter months. How does one control this? Is this a result of the wet weather we have been having in Oregon? Will the moss go away by itself once the weather warms up or does it need to be killed off? If its the latter then how does one kill moss and prevent it reappearance in the future?

Answer 1

I live in Oregon as well.

On the sidewalk, I would recommend renting or buying a power washer and you can use that to remove the moss and other growth from the sidewalks. It will die back in the summer, however, it is one of those things that will increase over the years if you don't occasionally power wash. There are also some granulated "moss out" products you can get at garden centers that work on driveways or lawns.

In the Pacific Northwest, it is difficult to keep a lawn free of moss. If you can get used to it, it's not that big of a deal.

Adding lime to your soil (you can get a bag at Fred's or any of the big box hardware stores, Portland Nursery, Cornel Farm, etc. or at any of various feed and seeds) will help by lowering the pH, which is good for grass and bad for moss. It doen't directly kill the moss, it just gives turf grass a little bit of an edge.

A nursery in Scappoose, Joy Creek, recommends spreading 1/4-10 gravel over your lawn spreading it around to improve the drainage. A description of the procedure is found in the Joy Creek Times Blog Spot for Tuesday, April 17, 2007. See the link below for detailed information.

Good luck.

Answer 2

The moss will clear up with sunshine and prolonged dry weather. Too much shade will promote moss growth, and I think that's the best angle to approach it's control. People will tell you to put down salt or weedkiller but that'll just poison your beds. Aerate the soil and thin out overgrowth, and a bit of moss'll do no harm

Answer 3

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