Published in the News-Review on March 28, 2025

By: Bonnie Courter

Question: There’s a lot of moss on my walkways and especially in the lawn. What can I do to get rid of it, and when’s a good time to do that?

Answer: First I’ll address the moss growing on your walkway. Moss can be very dangerous on walkways or driveways, creating a slippery surface when wet. The peak growth period for moss is fall through early spring, especially in spring when it seems to grow exponentially due to periods of rain and warm sunshine. The most effective treatment time is when its actively growing and moist, but before rain is expected for several days, so timing is important.

First try to remove excess moss by using a flat shovel, broom, rake or pressure washer, exposing the underlying moss. Apply moss control, which can be purchased at any hardware or big box store, when the weather is warm, but not too hot. Once the moss turns dark and dies, simply sweep it away.

In order to prevent future moss from growing, treat the area each fall and spring. A home remedy of 4 cups of vinegar with a quarter cup of salt and some water can be sprayed on the walkway. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes, then wash away with water mixed with dish soap.

Now to address the moss in your lawn. When lawns are struggling due to low light, drainage issues, compacted soil or imbalanced soil pH levels and grass dies back, this leaves room for opportunistic moss to take over. Pest problems and mowing the grass too short can also affect grass health.

Moss, unlike common lawn weeds, is impervious to most weed killers. However, using moss-killing products also can be toxic to aquatic life, pets and humans. But there are plenty of all-natural ways to rid moss from your lawn that won’t harm the environment.

Hand-pulling, raking, or using a de-thatcher tool is the fastest way to remove moss, which, having shallow root systems, usually comes up with little effort. Another method is to kill moss with natural sprays made with 1 gallon of water and 2 oz. of dish soap or 1 gallon of water to 

8 oz. of baking soda. These sprays won’t affect the grass, but will kill the moss. Apply with a garden sprayer and wait a few days for the moss to turn brown or orange. Then rake up any dead moss and toss into trash bags so the spores won’t spread.

These are all short-term solutions, but if you don’t address the underlying issues affecting your lawn, your grass will continue to struggle and moss will return. Consider how much light your lawn is getting – are there shady areas that inhibit the grass getting enough sunlight? Most grass types require 6-8 hours of bright light each day, otherwise the grass gets thin and patchy, leaving room for moss to creep in. If you have a shady lawn, consider swapping out grass for mulch or shade-loving groundcovers, or using grass seed that is specific to shady conditions.

Compacted soils from too much foot traffic can limit grass root growth. Annually aerating the lawn loosens up the soil also. Consider installing garden walkways or stepping stones to reduce further compaction.

Overwatering your lawn can lead to moss which loves moisture. Poorly draining spots can be improved by filling in low spots with soil, installing a French drain, or grading.

Soil structure and drainage are also factors and it’s good to get your soil tested to determine the pH. Grass prefers a soil pH of around 6.5 to 7.0, while moss loves an acidic pH. If your soil is too acidic for healthy grass, a fall application of garden lime may correct that.

Finally, try sowing new grass seed in any bare spots you see. A healthy lawn environment will prevent any future invasions of moss, so focus on giving your grass the best conditions to thrive and you’ll be glad you did! 

Do you have a gardening or insect question? Contact the Douglas County Master Gardeners at douglasmg@oregonstate.edu or 541-672-4461 or visit 1134 SE Douglas Ave., Roseburg. Douglas County Master Gardeners are trained volunteers who help the OSU Extension Service serve the people of Douglas County.