Moss & the Color Green

As spring continues to approach we all feel infused with new energy emanating from increased sunlight, warmth, and the blossoms of early flowering trees and shrubs. With such, our gardening to-do lists and landscape ambitions are again awakened from their long winter hibernation. 

Snail in Moss, Lord Hill Regional Park, Skyler Westergard

For many of you in cooler and wetter climates such as those here in the Pacific Northwest, one of the perennial influences on gardens this time of year is moss & the color green.  Even in the hot, arid climates of Utah and Idaho I have seen moss growing in wet, shady, and poorly draining areas.

There is no doubt that the wide range and variety of moss in the Northwest typifies its climate and has unlimited photo ops for calenders, art, book covers, and blogs.  How could there really be so many different shades and tones of green?  Moss's green is unbelievably beautiful and restorative.


Arguably, green is one of the colors that we see the most often.  The grass, shrubs, flowers, mosses, and tree leaves all around us radiate this wonderful color. Color theorists and psychologists teach that the color green is the symbol of healing, health, balance, and renewal. Green is the color of life and restoration. It is the balance and opposite of bright intense colors, especially red.  It balances and restores the eye.  What a blessing to have so much green all around us both as a symbol and literal source of renewal and life.

Olympic National Park, James Gaither (2008) Flickr

So why would anyone ever want to get rid of moss, a source of so much green? 

Without getting into the differing ideas of its correctness or the cultural roots of the idea of why, which would be the topic of another post, there are indeed times and contexts where moss is not desired. Besides on roofs and gutters, in our lawns would be at the top of the list. Most people desire a healthy strand of grass...moss free. If you are dealing with moss in your lawn, spring is the best time to treat it.

Moss loves to grow in soil that is constantly wet, cool, shady, and in areas with low pH levels.  To control moss three main steps are necessary.

Buffalo Grass Lawn, Robert Wallace (2006) Flickr

1. Iron Sulfate - Most often applied in a granular form, it also comes in liquid.  Water granular applications in well immediately after applying.  Apply when conditions are dry and DO NOT get this on your clothes, house, or concrete as it will nearly immediately and permanently stain. (I speak from experience).
2. Rake - After moss turns black from the iron sulfate application take a good stiff leaf rake or rent a power rake/dethatcher and work the moss out of the lawn and dispose of it.
3. Lime -  Lawn grows best in soils with a near neutral pH of about 6.5 or 7.  In low pH situations, which is most often the case where moss is present, add lime to your lawn in order to raise the pH and discourage future moss.  Lime is more of a longer term piece to the puzzle, as it will not do anything to kill moss that already exists.

It must be noted that moss is epiphytic, meaning it can grow on other plants yet is not harmful to them. It photosynthesizes on its own and so is not parasitic to plants.  Many professionals get as many questions on how to grow moss as how to kill it.  I myself live this double standard in some gardens I maintain.  One month I may be applying iron and lime to one area, while at other times I am testing new web searched moss recipes on other garden paths to start moss growing. For better or worse I have been successful at both and should well dedicate a post on how to grow moss for those who wish to do so.

In your garden this spring whether you're trying to kill moss, grow moss, or couldn't care less about moss, take time to appreciate the beauty and influence of green all around you.  It truly is one of God's gifts to us as earthly beings.