Moss in the backyard forms in many problematic lawns, including those with general lack of care, excessive shade, compacted or poorly draining soils, low soil fertility, high or low soil pH, and poor air circulation. Though not especially competitive or aggressive (like weeds are), moss is opportunistic, and grows in lawns that aren’t particularly healthy.

These spores only require moisture to germinate, and mature into moss plants that commonly make their home in lawns with weak or thin grass. Moss is a resilient plant that reproduces by releasing spores into the air, typically once in the spring and once in the autumn. Its highly absorbent surface draws in moisture and nutrients, but moss makes its own food through photosynthesis. Unlike many other plants, moss can grow virtually anywhere because of its shallow “roots,” called rhizoids, which anchor the plant in place on rock, bark, soil, and more. Mostly known to make their homes in moist or shady locations, some types can survive extreme conditions of hot or cold. With somewhere between 11,000 to 15,000 moss species identified, moss can grow anywhere on the planet, except in salt water. Moss is a non-flowering plant with stems and leaves, but no true roots. What is moss, and why does it grow in my lawn? Read on to learn how to get rid of moss in the lawn, as well as make simple changes sure to restore its natural beauty.

Moss growth may slow in summer, although certain species continue growing all year long. Moisture and shade help moss thrive in autumn, winter, and possibly even spring. The damp conditions that favor moss growth are not conducive to a healthy lawn, and as grass suffers, moss will continue to flourish.

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