Removing & preventing lawn moss

by Dianne Drinkwater 03/31/2025

For homeowners with grass lawns, moss can be a problematic weed. Lawn moss appears in shady, damp areas and spreads quickly because it doesn’t need seeds to reproduce. Luckily, there are options for cleaning up a mess of moss.

Here is a basic guide to removing existing moss and preventing future moss growth in your lawn:

Raking & aerating

Moss has very shallow roots, making it easy to remove with a rake. This process works best when the surface is moist, so try it after watering the lawn.

For future moss prevention, “dethatching” and aerating the lawn is a process that can help. Getting rid of thatch, or the layer of dead grass tissue between the roots and new growth, helps improve air and moisture circulation in the lawn.

Liquid moss killers

Unfortunately, most popular herbicides used for weed control don’t control moss. However, there are some formulas specifically labeled as “moss killers” and contain the right amount of chemicals needed to target and kill moss growth.

If you want to avoid using a chemical moss killer, you can make a DIY solution with household products like baking soda or dish soap. Mixed with water and put into a garden sprayer, these can work just as well as the store bought chemicals.

Try another grass species

Moss is an opportunistic weed, and will often appear in already sparse areas of the lawn. If the type of grass you have planted struggles to survive in the shade, consider replacing it with a shade-tolerant variety to keep the moss at bay. Tall fescue grass is an example of a grass type that can crowd out moss growth once established.

There are more than just these methods for removing and preventing lawn moss. However, starting with these basics will help you get rid of moss and ensure your lawn is full of healthy grass.

About the Author

Dianne Drinkwater

Dianne is a full time, full service, state licensed Realtor®, member of Northeast Florida Regional Association of Realtors® (NEFAR), St. Augustine/ St.Johns County Board of Realtors, National Association of Realtors® (NAR), Florida Association of Realtors® (FAR), and Northeast Florida Regional Multiple Listing Service And St. Augustine/St. Johns (MLS), Shearwater Certified, and Military on the Move Designation.

She provides a unique blend of leadership, sales acumen, project management, technology, and world class customer relation skills to enhance Watson Realty Corporation's values in the real estate sales and mortgage marketplace. She is a decisive take action solution-oriented professional with 25+ years of progressive business experience who efficiently utilizes technology to improve results. She has lived in the St. Augustine/Jacksonville area since 2005 and has seen the area continue to flourish and stays well informed of future growth plans within Northeast Florida.

Let's take a look at the lighter side of Dianne. She loves life is artistic loves music, the arts, yoga and genealogy! She loves to explore and hates to be bored. She loves the outdoors, especially plant life and wildlife. She has been a Master Gardener in Florida and Maine; as a photography enthusiast she has the eye to spot the perfect shot, which spills over to the photos she makes of the properties she markets AND frequently hires the best specialized real estate photographers/drone and videographers who make the difference in the sale. And, she loves to share her knowledge of the local real estate market and all aspects of the process to guide you through each step as a coach rather than a salesperson.

So, let's sum it up. Buying or selling your home is an important life decision. Reasons can vary greatly from change of lifestyle, to relocation or life challenges. You need someone you can trust, count on, respect and help shoulder the stress, anxiety and time commitment involved. Doesn't this sound like someone you want working for you?

So, what's the next step? Contacting Dianne of course. It is all about YOUR needs, goals, timeline and DREAMS! She's here to help you achieve them and she looks forward to hearing from you.

What are you looking for in a Realtor? - Someone who will really listen to your wants and needs? Someone who will expertly market your home until the SOLD sign adorns your front lawn or if you are a buyer tirelessly researches your wish list to find that perfect home? - How about someone who will always be honest, holds ethics in high regard as a realtor, who works aggressively to get you the best price for your home and someone who knows the market?

Selling or buying a home is a partnership with your trusted advisor- Dianne Drinkwater