Moss Grass: Grow It or Get Rid of It?

If you’re constantly struggling to grow grass in the shady parts of your yard, you’re not alone. Even shade-tolerant grass often fails in low-light areas, leaving behind thin, patchy and unhealthy-looking lawns.

I tried everything to get grass to grow under a big pine tree in my yard. I watered more and less, amended the soil, aerated—nothing worked. What did grow well, though, was moss. At first, I kept tearing it up to make room for more grass seed. Eventually, I realized it made more sense to work with what would actually grow there. I encouraged the moss to grow and eventually it replaced the grass in that area, and I don’t regret it.

I don’t have to mow, water or fertilize and it stays green all season. “The more you’re willing to accept and encourage plants to do well where they’re doing well,” Eric Tiedeman-Mau from Gardener’s Supply says, “the better your lawn care experience will be.”

Read on to learn how to convert part or all of your lawn to moss grass, a beautiful and low-maintenance alternative.

Everything You’ll Ever Need to Know About Moss Grass

What is Moss Grass?

Moss is a green, nonflowering plant with more than 9,000 species. It is a low-maintenance ground cover that can be grown as an alternative to grass.

What Does Moss Grass Look Like?

Moss grass is a dense, low-lying plant with a soft, fuzzy texture. It is usually, but not always, green.

Pros of Moss Grass

• Easy to plant.

• Can survive in many environments.

• Can go a long time without water.

• “You don’t need to mow it and it’s quite low-maintenance,” says Tiedeman-Mau.

• Environmentally friendly because there’s no need to fertilize or water often.

• Repels weeds thanks to its natural density.

• It can grow in poor-quality soil.

• Many varieties to choose from.

Cons of Moss Grass

• Most varieties require at least part shade.

• Leaves and debris need to be removed.

• It could lower your home’s resale value because most buyers favor conventional turf grass.

• “Moss doesn’t take foot traffic very well,” Tiedeman-Mau says. “You’ll tear it up playing a game of soccer on it, for instance.”

• Dogs and other pets can tear it with their claws.

How to Grow Moss Grass

Moss will not grow in sunny, hot spots in your yard, so choose a shady area to cultivate moss grass. This will likely be an area where you’ve struggled to grow grass in the past due to a lack of sunlight. “Moss grows in an area because the conditions are right for it,” Tiedeman-Mau says. “The soil’s usually acidic, often compacted and in an area that receives a good amount of shade, which is good for moss and bad for grass.”

• Once you’ve decided on a location, perform a soil test as you’ll need a pH of around 5.5. A higher pH can be corrected by adding sulfur.
• Next, you’ll need to remove the current lawn covering as well as any other plants. Thoroughly rake the area so it’s free of debris.
• Avoid sourcing your moss from the natural environment; ⁠it disrupts the ecosystem where the moss is growing. Instead, visit a nursery or work with a lawn care professional to select an appropriate moss. Mosses native to your region have the best chance of thriving. It grows in pretty much every part of the United States, including deserts and mountains.
• Expect moss grass to cost $4 to $10 per square foot, depending on the variety. That’s more than professionally installed sod, which costs about $1 to $2 per square foot. But keep in mind that moss will save you big bucks on water over the years.
• To transplant moss, moisten the soil before placing the moss on top. Walk on the moss and mist it daily. It will eventually establish itself and reproduce. A moss garden is any deliberately cultivated outdoor spot that features moss.

How to Get Rid of Moss Grass

If you view moss as a nuisance rather than something to be cultivated, it’s not hard to remove. Chris Lemcke, national technical director at Weed Man, recommends using a product containing iron. “Once it turns the moss black, you can rake out the dead moss and reseed the area,” he says.

How to Prevent Moss Grass from Growing Back

Lemcke says the best defense against recurring moss is a healthy lawn. “Overseed the area where you removed the moss,” he says. “Moss has less chance of establishing itself in a thick, grassy lawn.”

FAQ

Will moss overtake other plants?

Moss will spread, but does not overtake areas or overwhelm nearby plants. It is not considered invasive.

Is moss grass safe for pets and kids?

Yes, moss grass is non-toxic and safe for pets and kids.

About the Experts

• Chris Lemcke is the national technical director at Weed Man.
• Eric Tiedeman-Mau is the store manager of the Gardener’s Supply location in Hadley, Massachusetts.