If you’re like many homeowners, you’ve probably battled with moss creeping into your lawn at some point. Moss can be a pesky problem, especially if you prefer a lush, green lawn. While many chemical treatments and labor-intensive methods are available, my nana taught me a simple, natural trick that requires almost no effort. Let me share her time-tested method to remove unsightly moss from your lawn and keep it looking pristine. Understanding Moss and Why It Grows in Your Lawn Before diving into the trick, it’s essential to understand why moss grows in your lawn in the first place. Moss thrives in damp, shaded, and compacted areas with low soil fertility and poor drainage. If you see moss in your lawn, it often signals underlying issues that must be addressed for long-term grass health. Advertisement Common Causes of Moss Growth Shade: Moss loves areas with low sunlight. If you have large trees or shrubs that cast long shadows, moss might find your lawn a perfect home. Poor Drainage: Waterlogged soil creates a moist environment ideal for moss. Lawns with clay soil or improper grading can develop drainage problems. Compacted Soil: Over time, foot traffic or heavy machinery can compact the soil, making it difficult for grass to grow and creating ideal conditions for moss. Acidic Soil: Moss prefers acidic soil with a low pH. If your soil is too acidic, grass struggles to thrive, allowing moss to take over. Low Fertility: Lawns lacking in essential nutrients such as nitrogen are weak and can’t outcompete moss. The Trick My Nana Taught Me My nana was an avid gardener who believed in simple, natural solutions for common gardening problems. Her trick to remove moss was straightforward, effective, and required almost no effort. Here’s how it works: 1. Use Baking Soda Yes, you read that right! Baking soda, a common household item, can be a powerful ally in your fight against moss. The alkaline nature of baking soda raises the pH level of the soil, making it less hospitable for moss while remaining safe for grass and other plants. How to Apply Baking Soda to Your Lawn Choose the Right Time: The best time to apply baking soda is during a dry, sunny day when the moss is actively growing. Early spring or fall, when moss growth is most vigorous, is ideal. Prepare the Baking Soda Mixture: Mix about two tablespoons of baking soda with a quart of water in a watering can. Stir well to ensure the baking soda is fully dissolved. Apply to Affected Areas: Pour the baking soda mixture directly onto the moss-covered areas of your lawn. You don’t need to drench the area; a light application is sufficient. For larger areas, you may need to prepare additional batches of the solution. Wait and Observe: Within a few days, you’ll notice the moss turning brown or black, indicating that it’s dying off. The moss should start to dry out and become easy to rake away. Rake and Remove: Once the moss has dried, use a garden rake to remove it from your lawn. The moss will come up easily, revealing the soil underneath. 2. Adjust Soil pH with Lime While baking soda effectively eliminates moss, my nana always emphasized the importance of addressing the underlying cause: soil acidity. Applying garden lime to your lawn helps raise the soil pH, creating an environment where grass can thrive, and moss cannot. How to Apply Lime to Your Lawn Test Your Soil: Before applying lime, it’s crucial to test your soil’s pH level. You can purchase a soil testing kit at most garden centers or send a sample to a local agricultural extension office. Choose the Right Lime: There are different types of lime available, such as dolomitic lime and calcitic lime. Dolomitic lime adds magnesium as well as calcium, which can be beneficial for some soils. Apply Lime Evenly: Spread the lime evenly across your lawn using a lawn spreader. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the correct amount based on your soil test results and lawn size. Water Your Lawn: After applying lime, water your lawn lightly to help the lime penetrate the soil and start adjusting the pH. 3. Improve Lawn Conditions To keep moss from returning, you’ll need to improve the overall conditions of your lawn. Here are a few tips my nana used to maintain a healthy, moss-free lawn: Increase Sunlight: Trim back overhanging branches or shrubs to allow more sunlight to reach your lawn. This reduces the shaded areas where moss thrives. Improve Drainage: Aerate your lawn annually to alleviate soil compaction and improve drainage. You can also consider installing a French drain or creating a slight slope to help water drain away from low spots. Fertilize Regularly: Feed your lawn with a balanced fertilizer to encourage healthy grass growth. Strong, dense grass will naturally outcompete moss for space and nutrients. Mow High: Adjust your mower to a higher setting to keep the grass slightly longer. Taller grass shades the soil, helping to reduce moisture and discourage moss growth. Why This Trick Works This method works because it combines immediate action with long-term prevention: Immediate Action: The baking soda quickly changes the surface pH of the moss, causing it to dry out and die without harming the grass. Long-Term Prevention: By adjusting the soil pH with lime and improving lawn conditions, you create an environment where grass can flourish, and moss struggles to survive. A Few Additional Tips Consistency is Key: For the best results, be consistent with the application of these methods. Repeat as necessary, especially if you notice new moss growth. Monitor Your Lawn: Keep an eye on your lawn’s condition throughout the year, especially in shady or damp areas. Natural and Safe: This method is safe for children and pets and doesn’t involve harsh chemicals, making it an environmentally friendly solution. Advertisement Moss in your lawn doesn’t have to be a frustrating, ongoing battle. With my nana’s simple trick using baking soda and some proactive lawn care, you can remove moss with minimal effort and enjoy a lush, green lawn all season long. Remember, the key to success is addressing both the symptoms and the causes of moss growth. With a bit of patience and regular maintenance, you can keep your lawn healthy, vibrant, and moss-free.