Question
Hi,
We have a concrete-enclosed area (about 25'x12') near our pool  which has grass on poor-quality soil.  Mowing is a pain, since debris gets in the pool. We also have lots of weeds, etc.. growing in there.  Would moss be an alternative to grass? We've been told maybe Scotch or Irish moss.  Barely any foot traffic there.  The only problem is that it gets full sun from about 11am until sundown.  In the summer, it's pretty hot. Are there any mosses than can tolerate that much sun?
Thanks!
-Scott

Answer
I'm sorry, but I really don't know of any mosses that could tolerate those conditions. That said, I'm not a moss expert at all, so you may or may not want to seek out a 2nd opinion on that.

I'd recommend planting a warm season grass like Bermuda or Zoyzia that could handle those conditions in the summer.  You can always aerate and overseed with perennial ryegrass during the cooler Winter months to keep it green.

I'll leave you with an observation that I'm sure you've been told before too. The best course of action here is to have the soil replaced with some good stuff. Otherwise, whatever you do, you'll have a losing battle on your hands.

Good luck Scott.

-C.J. Brown
www.TheLawnCoach.com