Mosses of several species commonly out - competeturf grasses . These plants scatter through spores , which fumble in the wind and settle in areas where grass is weak , thin or intermittent . Moss establishes itself apace . Little to no grass grow in area dominate by moss , as the comportment of moss prevents grass semen from establishing . Lime prove useful in the direction of moss , but not necessarily in the path that many gardeners think .

Lime and Moss

Many gardeners conceive that Citrus aurantifolia kills moss . Expert resourcefulness such as the gardening extension of Washington State University , Clemson University and the University of Connecticut attest that lime does not kill moss . This commonly held belief arises from the fact that lime may help hold in and diminish moss populations by encouraging the spreading and authorization of turf grass in areas where it vie with moss species . However , even when used for such purposes , hydrated lime is n’t always effective in see moss .

Lime and pH

Citrus aurantifolia , and more in particular agricultural or dolomitic lime , raises the pH of land . By raising the pH level of stain , these types of limes make ground less acidic . Many moss species prefer acidic soil while turf grass flourishes in neutral soil . Thus when apply to soil , linden make believe weather condition less hospitable to moss species and more hospitable to turf grass . This change in conditions may give sens an reward when competing against moss for ascendency in a particular area . However , lime does not comprise a foolproof method of moss control . In fact , in alkaline ground with high pH , the software of Citrus aurantifolia may increase moss comportment .

Applying Lime to the Lawn

assess the pH of soil before making any attempt to apply lime as a moss control . If dirt proves alkaline or neutral , or posses a pH measurement of 7 or more , do not apply lime . For acidic soils , or those with pH degree of 5.5 or below , apply 50 pound . of dolomitic limestone per 1,000 square feet of garden surface . use solid ground limestone and pelletized limestone at the same pace for pH change , or apply cauterise limestone at a pace of 10 lbs . per 1,000 substantial feet or hydrous limestone at a rate of 20 lb . per 1,000 square feet . cauterise and hydrate limestone may show hazardous and are hard to apply . Mix birdlime in with grease for the best results .

Other Methods of Moss Management

Moss grows in conditions often unfavorable to grasses . To control moss in lawns and encourage turf locoweed growth , change conditions such as shade , ground and pee levels . Moss grows in deep shade than grass . If moss out - competes grass , enter more sun to the area by pruning large plants and cut existing grass shorter to expose moss to the Sunday . Moss also tolerates bundle soil , while eatage do n’t . take away compacted grass and introduce loose , well - aerated soil with a pH range of 5.8 to 6.5 to boost optimal forage ontogeny . bring down moisture by withholding irrigation helps prevent the spread of moss . Removing moss from the earth by hand or raking it up provides a sure manikin of control condition though may also be very time consume and laborious .

References

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