Moss can be a frustrating problem for homeowners who want a lush green lawn. While chemical moss killers are effective, they can pose risks to pets beneficial organisms, and the environment. Thankfully, there are several organic, eco-friendly ways to get rid of moss and restore your lawn’s health.
Why Does Moss Invade Lawns?
Before jumping into organic moss removal methods, it helps to understand what causes moss growth in lawns:
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Excess shade from trees or buildings blocks sunlight from reaching grass blades Moss thrives in shady conditions
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Compacted soil restricts air and water flow to grass roots. Poor drainage and soggy soil promotes moss.
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Acidic soil below 6.0 pH provides an ideal environment for moss to multiply.
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Lack of aeration reduces oxygen circulation to grass root systems. Moss invades easily.
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Infertile soil or insufficient fertilizer leaves lawns weakened and vulnerable to moss.
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Overhead watering keeps grass blades perpetually wet, allowing moss to establish.
By correcting one or more of these underlying issues, you can banish moss organically and prevent its return.
Best Organic Moss Killers
Here are some safe, natural moss killing options to try in your lawn:
Dish Soap
Plain biodegradable dishwashing liquid mixed with water breaks down the protective wax on moss leaves, causing dehydration and death. Spray it directly on moss patches, avoiding grass and garden plants. The moss turns brown and can be raked up once dry. Reapply weekly as needed.
Vinegar
White distilled vinegar or horticultural vinegar contains acetic acid that kills moss on contact. Mix 1 cup vinegar per 1 gallon of water and liberally drench moss growths. Repeat application every few days until moss dies back. Works best on sunny days.
Baking Soda
Sprinkling baking soda raises soil pH, creating an alkaline environment moss can’t tolerate. Mix 1 tablespoon per 1 quart of water and spray on affected areas. Let sit 2-3 days until moss browns, then rake up debris. Best for short-term moss removal.
Salt Water
Table salt or rock salt dries out moss by osmosis, causing dieback. Make a 1 cup salt to 1 gallon water solution and spray thoroughly over moss patches. Avoid heavy application near plant root zones.
Corn Gluten Meal
A natural pre-emergent herbicide, corn gluten meal inhibits moss spore germination and new growth. Apply 20 pounds per 1000 square feet in early spring before moss activates. Reapply every 6-8 weeks during growing season. Also fertilizes grass.
Organic Moss Prevention Tips
In addition to direct moss killing, try these organic methods to discourage regrowth:
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Thin overhead trees to improve light penetration to shaded areas. Avoid excessive shade.
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Aerate compacted areas to improve drainage and oxygen flow to grass roots.
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Raise pH between 6.5-7.0 with lime if soil is too acidic for grass.
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Fertilize 4 times per year to nourish grass and make it more moss resistant.
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Fix drainage issues and avoid frequent overhead irrigation that keeps soil soggy.
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Dethatch in spring and fall to remove moss debris and enable better growth.
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Overseed bare patches to thicken up thin, moss-prone lawns.
When to Remove Moss
For optimal organic moss removal, treat lawns:
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In early spring as temperatures rise before active moss growth begins.
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In fall after night temperatures have cooled down.
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On sunny days when moss is dry for best product absorption.
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Before or after seeding new lawns.
Avoid moss treatment during summer heat or dry spells that stress grass. Plan to reapply organic moss killers like vinegar, soap, and baking soda every 10-14 days until moss growth subsides. With persistence using natural methods, you can eliminate moss and restore a lush green lawn.
Recap of Organic Moss Control
To summarize organic moss removal:
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Identify and correct underlying issues like shade, poor drainage, low pH, etc.
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Apply natural moss killers like dish soap, vinegar, or baking soda directly on moss patches.
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Remove dead moss debris to eliminate spores after treatment.
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Fertilize and overseed lawns to thicken grass and prevent regrowth.
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Adjust irrigation practices to allow soil surface to dry between waterings.
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Maintain proper mowing, fertilizing, aerating, and dethatching for healthy grass.
With a multifaceted organic approach, you can eliminate moss and restore your lawn’s vibrant green grass. The natural results are well worth the effort. Your lawn will look lush while benefiting the environment.
Who makes your spreader?
Your Spreader Setting is:
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Is it safe to use Lawn Moss Control after seeding?
Lawn Moss Control can be used after the new seedlings have been mowed three times, or after 30 days.
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How do I get rid of moss?
Moss can be eradicated by mechanical means such as hard raking or scraping. You can also rent equipment to help in this job if you are trying to fix a large area and use Lawn Moss Control. This will kill the moss usually within 7-10 days, turning the moss black.Note: Do not apply grass seed to moss affected areas until after the moss has died for 2-3 weeks.
Don’t Forget These Essentials
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Weeds Controlled
Moss
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Active Ingredient(s)
Ferrous sulfate monohydrate
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Pre or Post-Emergent
Post-emergent
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When to Apply
Use anytime moss is actively growing and becoming a problem in the lawn. Apply in calm weather when rain is not predicted for the next 24 hours to help ensure that wind or rain does not blow or wash pesticide off the treatment area.
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How Often to Apply
The maximum application rate is 8 lbs per 1000 sq. ft. per year.
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Can Be Used When Seeding
No
- After applying Lawn Moss Control – wait 14 days to plant grass seed
- After seeding – wait 30 days to apply Lawn Moss Control
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Use With Other Products
We don’t recommend applying two of our weed controls or fertilizers together, as you risk burning your lawn. You can, however, apply two of these products together if one has fertilizer and the other one doesn’t. The rule of thumb is: if two products have different functions, it is usually possible to apply them together.
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Apply to Dry or Damp Lawn
Dry
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Safe for Children & Pets
Wait 24 hours for people and pets to re-enter the lawn area.
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Shelf Life
Our recommendations for storing your weed control:Place it in a cool dry place, off of the ground, out of direct sunlight, and keep it away from moisture. Keep bags (especially that have already been opened) containing unused product in a locked storage area inaccessible to children and pets. Do not store near feed or foodstuffs.To prevent cross-contamination, do not store near open containers of fertilizer, seed or other pesticides. Under these conditions, weed controls will last at least two years.
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Precautions & Proper Handling
- Carefully read all instructions prior to application
- Can cause moderate eye injury. Harmful if swallowed, inhaled or absorbed through skin. Avoid breathing in dust and contact with skin, eyes or clothing.
- Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling and before eating or drinking
- Remove and wash contaminated clothing before reuse.
- Product contains ferrous sulfate which will stain paint, concrete sidewalks and cart paths. Remove spillage immediately by sweeping or washing off sidewalks, driveways or other concrete or painted surfaces. Clean hard surfaces after application.
- Apply this product only to your lawn or garden and sweep any product that lands on the driveway, sidewalk or street back onto your lawn or garden.
- To protect the environment, do not allow pesticide to enter or run off into storm drains, drainage ditches, gutters or surface waters.
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Product Label
Always read and follow the product label before use.DOWNLOAD PRODUCT LABELSafety Data Sheets can be found at www.jonathangreen.com/safety-data-sheets-sds. If you have a specific question, do not hesitate to contact us.
Garden Care – Mo Bacter
FAQ
How do I get rid of moss on my lawn naturally?
Baking Soda: Sprinkle baking soda on the moss. The high sodium content can kill the moss over time without harming your grass. Vinegar Solution: A mixture of vinegar (acetic acid) and water can be sprayed directly onto the moss. Be careful, as it may also affect nearby grass.
What is the best homemade moss killer for lawns?
Mix 1⁄4 cup of borax with 1 gallon of water or vinegar in a bucket. At this point you can spray the borax mix on the moss with an agricultural sprayer of some sort. Manually you can scrub this compound into the moss. This mixture can also be worked into the moss with a scrub brush until the moss is saturated.
What kills moss but doesn’t kill grass?
Iron sulfate will start damaging moss in a matter of hours and effectively kill it within two days. This ingredient is commonly found in fertilizers and won’t harm your lawn’s grass. Glyphosate, on the other hand, is non-selective and will kill both the moss and grass it comes into contact with.
Does vinegar and dawn kill moss?
Yes, vinegar will kill the plants, because vinegar is like acid rain, which can damage any green living thing. Bleach will also kill it. The dead moss will be easier to scrape off. Or, scrape it off while it’s still green with a dull scraper, and hose down any earth that remains.