Question
I LIVE IN SOUTH EAST VIRGINIA NEAR THE COAST, I HAVE A YARD FULL OF MOSS AND ALOT OF SHADE WHAT GRASS SEED WILL WORK THE BEST WITH ALOT OF SHADE AND WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO GET RID OF THE MOSS AND KEEP IT FROM COMING BACK. THANKS FOR ANY ADVICE YOU CAN GIVE

Answer
Hi Roy Brown,

>>"....WHAT GRASS SEED...WITH a lot OF SHADE...?"

All grassy plants like lots of sun-light.
Given the basics of soil-sun-water,...All  lawn grasses are easy to grow.
Give them a little extra water and some fertilizer, and they are very easy to grow.

 If you are having problems getting grasses to grow, then chances are you need to examine if or not you have the proper basics to begin with.  None of the common lawn grasses will grow in deep shade.

The most shade-tolerant grass-type there is would be something like 'Rembrandt' or 'Plantation' TALL FESCUE.  You might try this grass-type and see how it does.  It will not do well in the summer heat, and you may have to re-seed it every fall to keep up a dense stand.  Most garden centers and seed stores will sell cultivars of Tall Fescue.

You might consider ways to make your lot sunnier by trimming or removing some trees and shade-sources.  More sun-light will help the grass and the moss problem.

If you continue to have trouble growing lawn grasses, you may have to give up and work instead to establish alternative landscaping scenarios and ground-covers.
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MOSS PROBLEMS:
Moss and shade problems often go together.

Top-soil vegetative growths called "MOSS"  become established in lawns when grass vigor is reduced, under conditions of poor drainage (high clay), compaction, shade, excessively acid soil and close mowing.  Excessive thatch build-up is also associated with mossy conditions.


MOSS is often associated with moist high clay  and compacted soils.  Working to improve the aeration and drainage abilities of the top-soil can prevent mosses and other problems.

An herbicide called "SAFER'S MOSS KILLER" which is a soap-base, environmentally safe, product will rid lawns of this type of moss. Safer's Moss Killer is available at:

http://www.biconet.com/lawn.html

Garden centers often sell other HERBICIDAL FATTY ACID- SOAP PREPARATIONS as "Organic Herbicides" which may be effective for this type of moss if it is a problem for you.


Other CHEMICAL TREATMENTS can be carried out at any time of year for best results when the weather is mild and the soil is moist, particularly during September and February or March.
Look for chemical "MOSS KILLERS"  based on DICHLOROPHENE, CRESYLIC ACID OR FERROUS (IRON) SULFATE. These chemicals are contact in action with little or no residual effect, and moss will usually return if cultural measures  (so mentioned) are not implemented.

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I Hope this has answered your question(s)!

Visit my Lawn & Gardens webpage for more facts and links:
http://hometown.aol.com/eilatlog/lawnol.html

Your Questions and Comments are welcome at ALLEXPERTS.com

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