Natural Moss Removal

Mosses belong to the Bryophyta division and include approximately 12,000 species. Growth forms include turfs, mats, cushions and wefts. Air-borne spore capsules spread by wind and rain. These colonizing plants can become unwanted, invasive plants in gardens and lawns and hazards on sidewalks and decks.

Underlying Causes

• According to Oregon State University, underlying causes of moss growth can include excessively wet soil, compact soil, dead organic matter and diffuse sunlight. Correcting conditions for an improved lawn and garden can include watering only when necessary and aerating the soil with a manual sod-coring tool. Removing dead organic matter can reduce surface water retention. Soil texture and drainage can improve with mixing organic matter into the compacted soil. Thinning tree branches should allow more direct sunlight and air circulation.

Physical Removal

• Remove moss manually by raking with a steel rake. Reseed over the exposed soil. Trim dormant shrubs and tree branches during winter to minimize damage to active growth.

Mechanical Removal

• Carefully power wash a sturdy, dormant plant to help scour off the moss from tree trunks and larger branches without the use of chemicals. Power washing can also work for sidewalks, decks and roofs.