Mosses are small, primitive, leafy, green
plants that develop fine, tangled mats over the turf surface. There
are more than 13,000 species of mosses, approximately 50 of which
can be found in lawns. In general, mosses are not the cause of turf
decline, but a symptom of environmental or management levels that
are unsuitable for supporting quality turf. Mosses are common in
a variety of environments including sites with low soil fertility,
poor soil drainage, compacted soils, excessive shade, poor air circulation,
high humidity, or a combination of these conditions. Mosses are
not always found in low pH soils; some mosses are commonly found
on alkaline soils. Thus, altering the soil pH may not eliminate
mosses.
Non-Chemical Control - Any cultural practice that
encourages proper turf growth and development should be employed.
Specifically, maintain soil fertility, provide adequate soil drainage,
prune trees to allow more light to reach turf, improve air circulation,
reduce soil compaction using core cultivation, avoid excessive irrigation,
avoid short mowing, control thatch, and grow turfgrass cultivars
best adapted to the setting disrupted by moss.
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Eliminating Moss - Moss can be eliminated, at
least temporarily, by hand raking when it first appears or by applying
ferrous ammonium sulfate or ferric sulfate. Remember, however, that
moss will probably reappear unless the environment and/or turf management
program is altered.
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