Moss can be tricky to get rid of, particularly when it grows near other plants, including evergreens. The substances used to kill moss may damage neighboring plants, including flowers, trees and grass. It is possible to apply baking soda — sodium bicarbonate — straight to moss, as a spray, powder or paste, to kill moss. This method is harmless to other plants, including evergreens. However, if you’re dealing with large patches of moss which need many therapies, check to be sure that your evergreens will endure the rise in soil pH.
Baking Soda and Moss
Baking soda increases the pH, which can be inhospitable to moss. Moss prefers an increasing environment of pH 5 to 6, which can be mildly acidic. Adding baking soda directly to the moss — it doesn’t have to be mixed into the ground — will destroy moss in lawns, near trees and on rougher surfaces, such as decks or patios. It is possible to apply baking soda as a powder, or dilute it with some water to use as a spray. To produce the spray, mix 2 tablespoons of baking soda with roughly 1 cup of water, stirring until the powder has dissolved.
Applying Baking Soda
When applying baking soda to moss, wear gloves to protect your hands if you are spraying a lot of place. Examine the baking soda on a small part of the grass and surrounding plants so that it does not damage plants other than moss. You can sprinkle the baking soda directly onto the moss, allowing it to sit on the moss for many days. If the moss is not already damp, water it to ensure the baking soda powder clings. If you are using a spray, spray it straight onto the moss, reapplying another time the following day. Shake the jar between sprays to make sure the powder stays mixed with the water. Once the moss has turned brown, scrape it away.
Size of Moss Patches
Baking soda, when used as a spray, is ideal for small patches of moss, advises Penn State University. As a spot treatment, it is successful, but it might not work as well on large areas. Regular, continued applications of lemon soda can effectively get rid of large moss patches, particularly if the pop is scattered directly onto the moss. It may take two to three months to totally get rid of large moss patches.
Other all-natural Treatment Options
Other alkaline household objects, such as baking powder, salt and soap may be used to get rid of moss. If your evergreens will not tolerate dirt with a higher pH, then it is possible to even use acids to get rid of moss naturally. Like baking soda, applying vinegar or lemon juice straight to moss will slowly kill the moss by altering the pH of the region.