6 Solutions That Kill Moss Permanently

1. Rake and Scare Your Lawn

Moss typically plants its roots quite shallow, making it easy to tear out by hand or with a rake. You can use a bow or leaf rake to get the job done. Taking the weed out by the root will cause it to die off. 

If you just have a small area of moss, a stainless steel hand rake will kill moss as well. If you have the unfortunate reality of having excessive moss all over your yard, consider dethatching your lawn. 

Attaching a dethatching blade to a lawn mower will make it a breeze to pull up dense moss. At the same time, you’ll be able to remove clumps of dead grass. Another name for this method is called scarifying. 

2. Aerate Your Lawn

Taking care of your landscaping is the best way to prevent moss in the first place. You can also use lawn care methods to kill moss after it’s taken over. This stubborn weed loves heavily compacted soil. 

To give your lawn better air circulation use an aerator. Spike aerators consist of sharp, long spikes that deep into the soil as you push it around your yard. Core aerators work in the opposite way, by pulling up cylinders of soil and bringing them to the surface. 

It’s best to aerate your yard a few times a year to prevent moss from growing. This is a surefire way to have healthier grass in general! 

3. Take Away Any Shaded Areas

If you have a lot of shady spots in your yard, moss is most likely to grow there. The less light there is, the better for this weed to grow. A great way to kill moss is to cut back any overgrowth. 

Not only will this help get rid of the moss, it will make your yard look much more tidy. Grass needs about six to eight hours of sunlight a day. Taking away overgrowth will help kill moss and give you a lush lawn. 

That being said, this may require you to water the vegetation a bit more if it’s excessively sunny. 

4. Spray Dish Soap

Did you know you likely can make a DIY moss killer with stuff you already have in your pantry? Grab a garden sprayer and fill it with a gallon of warm water. Mix in two tablespoons of dish soap and shake! 

All you have to do is start spraying on that pesky moss! It takes 24 to 48 hours for the solution to work. You’ll see the moss turn yellow, dry out, and eventually die. This is a great method to use before scarifying your yard. 

Another solution is two gallons of water mixed with baking soda. Once again, simply spray it over the problem areas! 

5. Apply Commercial Moss Killer 

Of course, you can always opt for a commercial moss killer. These will work faster than other methods available. Try to find products that contain iron sulfate or ferrous ammonium sulfate. It’s essential to follow the directions properly in order to see results. 

Commercial moss killer typically comes in granular forms and may require a few applications. Wear garden gloves when applying them to your lawn. Make sure children and pets stay away from the area until the moss is dead and gone. 

6. Use Bleach or Vinegar

Do you find yourself with recurring moss that just doesn’t quit? A bleach treatment is one of the best methods for stubborn moss. Grab a large bucket and pour in a gallon of water per one cup of bleach. Mix in a cup of dish or laundry soap for an added punch. 

Apply it liberally to the affected areas of your yard. Wait about five minutes and the moss will start to die! This is a great option for pavement with mossy spots. Rinse the area with a garden hose thoroughly. 

If you don’t want to use bleach, substitute it with vinegar, follow the same directions, and viola! Keep in mind that both bleach and vinegar will kill any plant they come in contact with. You should only need to do this method once per year!