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Does
moss growth need to be controlled on lawns?
"By choosing aesthetically pleasing but environmentally
sound alternatives to the classic American lawn, we can unite
our environmental concerns with direct personal action. Indeed,
we can draw the line on environmental degradation in our own yard.
Understanding where the lawn's popularity comes from, how the
lawn fits into the global environment, and finally, what changes
we can make to alter its effects gives each of us the power to
improve our piece of nature. We need not cease to love the lawn.
By understanding how it does and does not work, we can adapt it
to our time." (from Bormann
and others, 1993, Redesigning the American Lawn).
The climate of the Pacific Northwest is favorable for the growth
of mosses in lawns. During the mild wet winters, when most grasses
grow poorly, mosses are able to establish (Cook
and Whisler, 1994).
Homeowners are generally concerned that mosses will take over
their lawns, out-competing the grass. In fact, moss is not able
to displace established grass, but will take advantage of bare
spots (Pennsylvania State University,
Agriculture Information Services). There is also a perception
that mosses do not belong in lawns for aesthetic reasons.
Mosses grow well under conditions that do not favor grass, such
as high acidity, soil compaction, poor drainage, and shade. Therefore,
controlling moss often consists of improving the conditions for
growing grass (Cook and Whisler, 1994).
Refer to Methods
of Control for additional
information on how to control mosses in lawns. Also, when
planning lawns for shady areas, it may be beneficial to choose
a shade-tolerant type of grass. Consult your landscaper or local
nursery for appropriate varieties.
An alternative to trying to grow a lawn in a shady, damp area
is to take advantage of the existing conditions to cultivate a
moss garden. Moss can create the effect of a soft, green carpet,
and doesn't need to be mowed like grass. See Encouraging
Mosses for more information on cultivation.