Have you heard of moss lawns? Landscaping around your home is one of the easiest ways to boost your curb appeal and enjoy the great outdoors. Unfortunately, keeping your lawn lush and green all year long can be more of a headache than many people believe it is worth. Because of the amount of maintenance and care that many lawns require, it isn’t uncommon for people to hire a professional landscaping service to tend to their outdoor areas to keep them lush, green, and inviting for both themselves and their guests to enjoy.
While grass lawns are generally the most popular, there are many other alternatives to the traditional turf lawn that are starting to gain popularity. One of these options is a moss lawn. Moss lawns appeal to those looking to be more environmentally conservative as well as those seeking a lower-maintenance option compared to traditional grass.
What is a Moss Lawn?
There are many different types of moss species, each with its own unique textures and colors. It is important to remember that moss lawns are not for everyone. People who have young children, pets, or heavy foot traffic areas might not enjoy a moss lawn as much as the more traditional and durable turf. Moss lawns generally thrive in shaded areas and prefer moist and acidic soil to prevent burning in the hot sun. They are especially popular in areas that see ample shade, such as below trees, along slopes, areas that are shaded by fence lines, or in areas too moist for traditional grass to flourish.
Pros of Moss Lawns
Low Maintenance
Easily the most popular pro of having a moss lawn is that it requires little to no maintenance. With a moss lawn, you will find that you don’t need to mow, fertilize, aerate, or tend to the moss to keep it lush and growing, thus saving you time and effort.
Water Conservation
Moss is naturally highly drought-tolerant once established within your lawn and thus requires less water than traditional grass lawns. This makes it an excellent choice for those hoping to contribute to water conservation efforts.
Weed Resistance
There is nothing worse than having to continuously pull weeds out of your lawn. With a moss lawn, you will notice that weeds no longer grow through your lawn covering. Once you have a dense moss lawn established, it can help outcompete any type of weed that tries to penetrate its surface.
Cons of Moss Lawns
Slow Growth
If you’re looking to grow a green and lush lawn quickly, then moss is not the best option for you. Moss grows very slowly compared to regular grasses, and because of this, it can take a long time for a moss lawn to fully fill in and achieve a dense, carpet-like appearance.
Durability
Moss lawns are not ideal for high foot traffic areas within your outdoor spaces. Moss can be easily damaged by heavy foot traffic caused by pets, children, or even adults looking to put their feet in the moss and walk through their yard.
Sun Exposure
While areas such as the Pacific Northwest are often known for being gloomy and gray, one of our best-kept secrets is that the summer months are full of sunshine and stunning beauty. Because of this, moss lawns won’t always thrive during the summer months, and you may find you have to replace your lawns more frequently than expected. Moss lawns generally only thrive in heavily shaded areas, and if a moss lawn sees too much sun, it can become dry or stressed, leading to browning and ultimately dying off.
In the realm of landscaping, there are many different options for landscaping your yard. Whether you decide to go the more traditional route with turf options or try to be more environmentally friendly with alternatives like moss lawns or clover lawns, our professional team of landscapers at First Fruit Landscaping is here to help transform your outdoor spaces into a true oasis that you can enjoy all year long. Contact our team today to get your own custom quote and yard transformation started.