Gardening Tips: How to eliminate moss growth is determined by the cause

Q: I have moss growing in my yard. What do I need to do to get grass to grow? I did a soil test three years ago, and everything was normal.

— Jim House

A: Moss normally develops when soil is compacted, wet or in too much shade. Soil with improper pH also invites moss growth. Determining which condition is causing the problem is the first step toward eliminating it.

Have your soil tested again to see if the nutrient content and pH level have changed since your last test three years ago. If the soil is deficient in nutrient content or needs lime, the test report will indicate how much fertilizer and lime to apply and when to apply it.

Moss growth usually starts in early winter and reaches its peak in early spring. This growth is caused by excessive rainfall. Moss growth normally declines in summer as conditions become drier and the grass growth increases. In shady areas, the moss may continue to grow through the summer. Here are some ways that moss can be reduced in the lawn:

Maintain proper soil ph. Most lawns should have a soil pH between 6.0-6.5.

Apply fertilizer and lime according to soil test recommendations.

Increase air movement and light penetration to the soil. This can be done by pruning the lower limbs of trees.

Improve soil drainage by adding organic matter to the soil.

Booker T. Leigh is the extension director at the Tipton County Extension office. E-mail your gardening questions to bleigh1@utk.edu. Include your name and the area where you live. For more gardening information call the Tipton County Extension office at 901-476-0123 or the Shelby County Extension office at 901-752-1207.