How to Grow a Moss Lawn—a Low-Maintenance Grass Alternative That Thrives in Shady Yards

If you want a lush green lawn without the maintenance grass requires, consider converting to moss. A dense moss lawn can thrive in just about any USDA growing zone (except for the desert) and requires very little upkeep. Unlike a traditional turf landscape, moss doesn't need to be mowed or fertilized and requires little additional irrigation beyond annual rainfall. Not only will you appreciate having less yard work to do, but you'll also love the way your green space looks: The verdant carpet can transform any property into something that feels like it's straight out of a fairy tale. Ahead, learn how to grow and care for a moss lawn, according to gardening experts.

What Is a Moss Lawn?

A moss lawn is exactly what it sounds like—a yard covered with a dense blanket of moss, a flowerless ground cover plant that doesn't have a vascular system and draws nutrients from its leaves rather than from the earth. "A moss lawn is a sustainable alternative to turf," says Katie Dubow, master gardener at Cottage Farms. "Several varieties of moss may be blended to achieve a more aesthetic look, encompassing an array of textures and shades of green."

Benefits of a Moss Lawn

There are a myriad of benefits of planting moss in your yard. "First, it will not need to be mowed, saving on fossil fuels and pollution," says Dubow. "It will not require fertilizer or herbicides like many traditional lawns—an added health benefit for areas where kids will relax or play." What's more, moss doesn't need additional watering once it's established. If you live in an area where droughts are common, moss will go dormant and wait for the next rain to soak up moisture.

Moss is also beneficial to nearby plants and wildlife. "Moss is a ground cover that absorbs water quickly and then releases it back into surrounding areas, which benefits companion trees and shrubs," says Jen McDonald, a certified organic garden specialist and co-founder of Garden Girls. "It is also highly beneficial for insects and birds who rely on it as a food and habitat resource."

Disadvantages of a Moss Lawn

Despite all of its pros, there are a few cons to having a moss lawn. Notably, moss lawns are generally more expensive than traditional lawns. This is because moss typically costs more per square foot than sod or grass seed. However, you will likely save in the long run as moss is lower maintenance than traditional grass.

Beyond budget, another notable drawback of moss is that it can be difficult to find the right location for planting. "Because most moss types prefer shade, finding a variety of moss that can perform well in sunny areas may be challenging," says Dubow. "Additionally, moss can handle light foot traffic, but is not recommended for high-traffic areas." In areas where you plant moss, you may want to add a walkway to reduce some of the impact. Even then, moss may still wear over time if you have pets or kids that often romp around in your yard.

Common Types of Moss

The type of moss you grow depends on the zone you live in. Here are some popular moss varieties that experts recommend.

• Feather moss: Feather moss (Hypnum imponens) can handle moderate foot traffic and has a low-growth habit that forms a soft carpet. Grows in zones 4 to 8.
• Pincushion moss: A variety with versatile sunlight and soil needs, pincushion moss (Leucobryum albidum) thrives in areas that receive light foot traffic—like around a tree. Grows in zones 4 to 9.
• Mood moss: Mood moss (Dicranum scoparium) can handle drier soils in shady to partially shady areas. This variety of moss can adapt to full shade, says Dubow. Grows in zones 4 to 10.
• Fern moss: As the name implies, fern moss (Thuidium delicatulum) has tiny fern-like fronds and is ideal for wetter areas; it can provide erosion control on slopes. Grows in zones 3 to 9.

How to Plant Moss

It's recommended that you start with growing moss in a smaller section of your yard, rather than committing to a full landscape. "Choose a location near a tree with shade to experiment," says McDonald. Once you've decided where you want your moss to grow, it's time for planting. "The best time to plant moss is in early spring after the threat of frost has passed so that the moss has time to acclimate before temperatures rise," says Dubow.

1. Test Soil Acidity

Soil quality is key when it comes to planting moss. "It needs acidic soil with a pH of 5 to 5.5," says McDonald. To know the acidity of your soil, conduct a soil test. This will tell you what amendments you need to add before planting moss. To lower the pH of alkaline soil, try adding compost or manure. To raise the pH, add lime or dolomite.

2. Prepare the Soil

Once your soil is the right pH, rid the area of weeds and other debris. Next, turn over the soil and rake it. "Water the soil well before planting and soak the moss to rehydrate it as well," says Dubow. Hydrated moss should look green and lively.

3. Plant

Planting moss is relatively easy because it doesn't have a root system that needs to be strategically placed into the ground. "Lay the sheets of moss onto the soil and press down firmly," says Dubow. "If wind is a concern, you can anchor the moss to the soil with landscape pins or lightweight rocks." Water the area thoroughly after planting to help the moss get established.

How to Care for Moss

Despite being very low maintenance, there are a few basic requirements to keep in mind when caring for moss. In general, mowing is unnecessary as moss only grows to be about 4 inches tall. You also don't need to fertilize moss, unlike its turf counterpart. "Fertilizer can burn moss and may cause it to turn brown and die," says Dubow. "The main nutrient moss needs is nitrogen, which it will absorb from rainwater."

Sunlight

Most moss types won't be able to withstand living in an area with full sun. It should be planted somewhere partially or completely shaded. If you have a yard with a lot of big trees that protect from the sun, your landscape can likely support moss.

Soil

As mentioned, maintaining the proper soil pH for the moss variety you're growing is essential. Some types will be able to tolerate slightly alkaline soils, but generally, you should ensure your soil remains acidic. "Check the required pH of your chosen moss variety and adjust the soil's pH accordingly," says Dubow.

Water

Although moss will need a generous watering after it's planted, once the ground cover is established it can survive on rainwater alone. But this may change during times of extreme heat and drought. "In hot weather, a good soaking of water in the morning will keep moss healthy and lush," says McDonald. "In average temperatures, moss retains water which equates to no additional care." If you don't want to water moss—even when it's hot—the plant will simply go dormant and return to its normal beauty once it rains.

Weeds

Moss is a very dense plant that naturally repels weeds, but sometimes you will see a few. "The occasional weed that may grow in your moss lawn can be pulled by hand; just be sure to press down on the moss afterward to reattach it to the soil," says Dubow. You should also routinely clean up any fallen leaves and debris that land on moss. Leaf debris must be cleaned regularly, or it will kill the moss.