If you’re tired of the care of a traditional lawn, consider new alternatives including moss. Our expert, Brian Hillman, owner of Hillman’s Landscape, LLC, says it’s not only possible but desirable for many modern homeowners.
Here are some answers to common moss-related questions.
Question and Answers from Brian Hillman
Q. What is a moss yard and how do you care for it?
A. Moss occurs naturally in a yard that is compacted from either tree roots or traffic, typically with a lot of shade or a pH issue.
Q. How would I convert to a moss lawn?
A. If you’d like to convert grass to an all-moss yard, which we have helped clients do, the best course of action is to conduct a pH test (best at 5.5 for moss growth) and make necessary adjustments to the soil. You would want to both kill the grass and dig it up and typically wait two weeks before planting anything else, moss included. Making a slurry with buttermilk can work to get moss started, but it does not always work especially for a large area.
Q. How do you care for a moss yard?
A. The homeowner will need to water the moss lightly 2-3 times a day for 2-4 minutes during hot periods. But there’s no mowing involved. Sheet moss (Hypnum Cupressidorme) or fern moss (Thuidium delicatulum) works well as a yard replacement in the Greenville area.
Q. What are some other hardy ground covers to plant in place of grass?
A. My go-to choices to use as hardy ground coverage in place of grass are dwarf mondo or mazus. Both work very well in either part sun or part shade situations. They also will thrive well with irrigation systems.
Q. What about weed control for non-grass yards?
A. Hand pulling is the best option for weed control in non-grass yards, especially when the material is younger and unsettled. Some chemicals can be used once the yard is better established and settled.
Q. What is the best non-living material to replace grass in our region?
A. Mulch is the best non-living material to choose to replace grass in our climate because it adds nutrients to the ground. It will need to be dressed every 12 months. My preference is hardwood bark double ground mulch.
