algae

Occasionally turfgrass begins to thin and moss and algae begin to grow. These primitive plants develop because conditions for growing dense, healthy turf have declined. Neither moss nor algae are thought to be parasitic and both are spread by wind blown spores. Moss and algae can both form crusts on the soil surface which reduces air and water movement into the soil. Factors that favor the development of moss and algae include wet and humid conditions and compacted soils with thin turf.

You may have noticed when cutting your grass recently that what was once your nice, thick, green lawn has turned into a not-so-nice, thick, green something else? What is this “stuff” that is taking over the lawn? And can it be stopped from spreading over your entire yard? Most likely the problem is moss, although in some cases it may be algae.