How to Kill Moss in Your Lawn with Dish Soap
Moss can be a nuisance in your lawn, leaving it looking splotchy and uneven. But don’t worry, there are several ways to manage and eliminate moss, including using dish soap.
Why Dish Soap?
Dish soap is an effective and safe way to kill moss because it contains surfactants, which break down the waxy coating on moss, causing it to dry out and die.
How to Make a Dish Soap Solution for Moss
To make a dish soap solution for moss, mix 2 ounces of gentle liquid dish soap, such as blue Dawn, with 1 gallon of water for small patches. For larger areas, use 4 ounces of dish soap in 2 gallons of water for every 1,000 square feet of lawn.
How to Apply the Dish Soap Solution
- Spray the solution directly onto the patches of moss, holding the nozzle a couple of inches from the target area.
- Make sure to avoid spraying the grass, as the solution can also kill healthy grass.
- The moss will turn orange or brown within 24 hours and eventually dry up.
Removing the Dead Moss
Once the moss is dead, dig it up and remove as much of it as possible. The surrounding grass will begin to grow over the patches.
Important: Do not compost the dead moss, as the spores could spread back into your lawn.
When to Apply the Moss Killer Solution
The best time to kill lawn moss with dish soap is in late spring or early fall, before seeding your lawn. Always apply the solution when the grass is moist and check the weather forecast to ensure there’s no rain expected within 24 hours of application.
Avoid using the dish soap method for moss on your roof. Moss on your roof should be removed gently with commercial preparations to avoid damaging the tiles.
Preventing Moss Growth
To prevent moss growth, address the underlying cause, which is usually acidic soil. Increase your soil’s pH by adding lime, also called dolomitic lime. Lime makes your soil less acidic by adding more alkaline.
Note: Adding lime does not directly kill moss but creates an environment that is less favorable for moss growth.
Other Moss Control Methods
Potassium Soap, Ferrous Sulfate, or Fatty Acids: These products can quickly dry up and kill moss.
Vinegar: The acetic acid in vinegar damages the cell walls of moss, eventually killing it.
FAQ
What’s the best way to permanently get rid of moss?
Using products containing potassium soap, ferrous sulfate, or fatty acids is the most effective way to permanently eliminate moss.
Can you use vinegar to kill unwanted moss?
Yes, vinegar can be used to kill moss on various surfaces, including patio pavers, concrete, and brick.
Remember: Moss can be a sign of underlying issues with your lawn, such as poor drainage or acidic soil. Addressing these issues will help prevent future moss growth.
