How to Remove Moss From Artificial Grass (In 5 Easy Steps)

One about the best parts about having an artificial lawn is that is very low maintenance. When you compare it to natural lawn, you get the same aesthetic and comfort benefits, without all the gardening tasks associated with keeping grass.

However, this doesn’t mean you can completely neglect your lawn!

One of the maintenance issues you might run into is the growth of mold and moss in your artificial grass.

If you want to know how to remove moss from artificial grass, you’re in the right place! Our team will show you everything you need to know.

We are also going to discuss the REAL reasons why moss grows in artificial grass, how to get rid of it quickly, and how to prevent it from growing.

Why Does Moss Grow In Artificial Grass?

Synthetic grass is a great alternative to natural grass or concrete. It doesn’t experience many of the issues present in a natural lawn, and only needs very little maintenance.

That being said, certain conditions can still give rise to the growth of moss and mold in artificial grass.

It is easy to recognize when you have a moss problem on your hands. This strange plant appears as clumps of green mush in the fibers of your artificial grass.

On the other hand, mold is a fungi that can appear as smaller black dots and specks on the grass blades.

Both of these can be found growing on all sorts of surfaces, including on trees and along walls. All that is required are favorable conditions for them to grow on.

Moss and mold tend to grow in damp, shaded, and warm areas where moisture is trapped. You can usually find it under organic debris like fallen leaves and branches, which tend to gather under overhanging trees and plants.

On an artificial lawn, moss and mold growth can also happen due to poor drainage. The accumulation of still water, combined with heat from the sun, provides the perfect environment for both to grow.

Thankfully, getting rid of either is not difficult, and follows the same procedure…

How To Get Rid Of Moss From Artificial Grass

If you notice that moss has started to grow on your lawn, you can remove it quite easily by following 5 simple steps.

Ideally, you should act as soon as possible to prevent the moss from growing and spreading across your synthetic lawn.

The good news is that this process of getting rid of moss is simple and easy to carry out, with just a few readily available chemicals and tools.

You are going to need a cleaning solution, as well as some tools such as a soft-bristled broom and a plastic rake. You also want to have some pruning shears or loppers on hand.

The entire job does not require too much time or work, but you do have to keep an eye on the growth and regrowth of the moss.

Moss and mold often grow in areas where they are not welcome. On artificial lawn, they can destroy the look of your entire yard, and leaving a sticky mess across your lawn.

Don’t worry – We’re here to help! Here is what you need to do to get rid of the moss and mold:

Step 1: Prepare The Area

Before you do anything else, you should get the area ready. You want to remove all conditions that cause and facilitate moss growth, so that it doesn’t happen again.

Start with raking away all the larger pieces of debris from the surface of the lawn. You should do so with a plastic tooth leaf rake, as a metal one can damage the backing of your artificial grass.

It is best to do this on a dry, sunny day – This will make the loose debris a lot easier to sweep up.

Next, trim and clear any overhanging branches and overgrown vegetation surrounding the affected area. This will prevent debris from collecting on your lawn in the future. Be sure to remove these too.

Step 2: Apply A Cleaning Agent

Once the area is cleared of loose debris, you can apply a cleaning agent. Once again, we recommend that you only do this when the weather conditions are dry and no rain is expected.

For this, you have a couple of options available: The first is a commercial moss killer or artificial grass cleaner. This must be water-based rather than oil-based. Be sure to follow the instructions carefully.

The second option is a homemade vinegar solution. This can be easily prepared by mixing distilled white vinegar with water in a 1:1 ratio. Simply put this solution in a spray bottle, and you’re ready to go.

Either of these options will do a good job at killing moss and removing it from your lawn, while keeping your grass fibers undamaged.

Once you’ve selected your cleaning agent, simply spray it on the affected areas on your lawn.

Step 3: Scrub The Affected Area

After you’ve sprayed on your chosen cleaning solution, you need to allow it to sink in and do its work.

To help with this process, scrub the area with a sponge to soak the grass blades with the solution.

With artificial grass, there is no need to worry about pulling out grass. Scrub with a good amount of pressure to make sure the solution penetrates the deeper thatch layer of the lawn.

Both the moss killer and the vinegar solution are also safe for the soil. In fact, vinegar can work to prevent weeds from growing underneath the grass backing as well.

Step 4: Rinse The Area Down

After scrubbing, allow the cleaning solution to sit for 10 minutes, or as specified in the instructions.

Once you have completed this treatment, the dead moss and mold will come loose. You should be able to easily sweep and rake it together, collect it and dispose of it.

Step 5: Maintain The Grass

In most cases we’ve seen, most if not all of the moss should be removed at this point.

However, some homeowners will experience moss slowly growing back in the next few days.

In these situations, simply repeat the steps above. Reapply the solution and scrub the area a few times over the next 1 – 2 weeks, and the moss problem should go away completely.

After this, you should stick to a simple maintenance routine, focusing on the spots on which the moss was growing. Namely, you want to keep the area free of debris and microbes.

How To Prevent Moss In Artificial Grass

They say a pound of prevention is worth an ounce of cure… And that’s certainly the case with moss and mold!

It is vital that you follow regular maintenance routine and keep area swept and free of debris. One of the kept perks of artificial grass is the low maintenance requirements, but you still need to be vigilant about dirt, moisture, and other conditions that could allow moss and mold growth.

Whether you’ve experienced moss growth in your artificial lawn or not, it is always a good idea to develop practices and maintenance habits that prevent it from growing on your lawn in the first place.

The first thing you should do is inspect the area where your artificial lawn is located. Look for things that could trap moisture, such as underneath lawn furniture and sprinkler heads.

On a hot summer’s day, these areas can provide the perfect environment for moss to thrive.

Once you have inspected the yard, be sure to trim and clear overgrowth and overhanging plants. This might need to be done every so often as you see fit.

Another part of your routine should be to rinse the lawn down with a garden hose. This will wash away into the ground any dust, as well as microbes, bacteria and pet urine.

Once again, it is wise to do this on a hot, sunny day. Your lawn will dry off quicker this way.

If you notice persistent pooling and puddles after rainfall, there could be a drainage issue. This can also encourage moss growth, and can even a breeding ground for mosquitos.

Unfortunately, this often means your lawn was not installed properly in the first place, and the water is struggling to drain through your sub-base. In such cases, it’s best to contact a professional.

Conclusion

We get it – Nobody likes moss! It’s a green sludge that grosses many people out, especially when you find it in your own backyard.

But by now, you should have learned exactly what causes it, how to remove it, and how to prevent it from ever reappearing in your artificial grass.

Simply follow the steps outlined above, and you’ll be able to enjoy a fresh, clean artificial lawn again!