Question
We had a very shady garden until recently (when 2 giant trees came down). Now I would like to get rid of the moss to improve the grass and also my perennial flower gardens. I also have a 2 year old little dog that spends as much time outside with me as possible. Is it safe for my dog to use moss killer where she walks and sniffs? Is it safe for my perennial flowers to use moss killer around them? Is it better to just dig all the moss out (again!)? My dog loves pulling up the moss with her teeth but I can't get her to move around the yard to do it evenly! Thank you for your advice.

Answer
Hi Judy, Moss grows on soil that is compacted and usually acidic.  Tilling the soil, incorporating some organic matter and raising the pH to 6.5 (where you want it for sod and most perennials) will keep it from coming back.  Check the label of your moss killer, but most are just mega amounts of iron which is safe your dog. Some are potassium salts of fatty acids, which is basically soap.  Keep the puppy of it until it dries, but it's very safe. It should not harm your perennials if you use it around them, but I'd try not to spray it directly on them.  My first choice in the perennial bed is to fix the soil as I mentioned above and not use a moss killer.  Jim