Moss is one of the most common annoyances of homes and lawns. It looks unsightly and can outcompete grass for water, nutrients, and resources. Whereas inside homes, it can cause significant structural damage if left unchecked. So, if your beautiful lawn and home show signs of a moss infestation, you need to invest in a lawn moss killer.
Lawn moss can form dense mats outcompeting grass for water and nutrients.
Many moss-killer products are available in the market, but only a few give good results. I have tested many of these products myself and will present my findings in this article so that you do not have to go out and buy and try each one to see which works the best. In a hurry and do not have time to read the entire article?
Do not worry! Here is a list of some of the best moss killers on the market:
- Lilly Miller Moss Out Lawn Granules
- Bonide MossMax Moss Killer
- BioAdvanced Moss And Algae Killer
- Lilly Miller Moss Killer For Lawn
- Scotts Turf Builder With Moss Control For Lawns
- Lilly Miller Moss Out For Roofs And Walks Concentrate
- Wet & Forget Mildew Cleaner
- Scotts MossEx 3-in-1 Ready-Spray
However, I highly recommend that you read through the whole guide so that you know what the pros and cons of the above-mentioned products are and how to use them.
Best Moss Killer For Lawns & Homes.
Here are our top picks for best moss killers for lawns, homes, patios, and driveways.
1. Lilly Miller Moss Out Lawn Granules
Lilly Miller 5601151 Moss Out Granules is the perfect solution for mossy lawns.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Affordable lawn moss killer Easy to spread on wet lawns Fast-acting Ideal for all grass types Leaves your yard improved and looking healthy | You will need to wear protective equipment |
Overview & Review
Lilly Miller Moss Out Lawn Granules is the first moss-killer product on the list. It comes in the form of a 20-pound bag which is more than enough to treat a five thousand-square-foot lawn.
In addition, these moss-killer granules can destroy moss in just a few hours.
Furthermore, the formula is specifically designed to work only against moss. Therefore, you do not have to worry about accidentally damaging your lawn. Lilly Miller Moss Out Lawn Granules is also very affordable and comes with an easy-to-follow application guide.
All you have to do is spread the granules in your yard with a spreader and then irrigate the lawn, activating the moss-killer granules. Also, since this product is granular, it can sit deep in the grass and attack the moss that would otherwise be hidden.
2. Bonide MossMax Moss Killer
MossMax quickly kills lawn moss, allowing lawn grass to thrive.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Affordable Easy to use Ideal moss killer for all grass types It will not have any effect on the grass It will not stain surfaces | No notable disadvantages |
Overview & Review
The following product on our list is Bonide MossMax. The product is designed to work around flower beds, ornamental shrubs, and lawns.
However, it would help if you did not use this Bonide MossMax to kill moss in indoor settings. In addition to killing moss, it can also control other infestations around your lawns and gardens, such as algae and liches.
The formula is ready to use when it arrives, and you can quickly apply it using a lawn spreader. There is no need to mix it with anything.
The manufacturer suggests that you use Bonide MossMax at a rate of four pounds per thousand square feet of lawn for common infestations and a rate of 8 pounds for 1,000 square feet in heavy infestations.
Furthermore, you can also use the Bonide MossMax on concrete surfaces such as patios and driveways. It does not stain concrete and is easy to wash off in case of a spill.
RELATED: Solved! How Long Do Fertilizers Take To Work? | Liquid Vs. Granular Fertilizer
3. BioAdvanced Moss And Algae Killer
BioAdvanced Moss Killer uses one formula to kill moss and algae wherever it grows.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Will not stain surfaces The liquid formula is easy to use Kills moss and other infestations within a few hours It will not damage the lawn Ideal for all grass types Affordable | You will have to remove dead moss physically |
Overview & Review
Sometimes moss is not the only thing infesting your lawn. Algae, lichen, and whatnot also appear. BioAdvanced’s Moss And Algae Killer is specifically designed for such situations. Its 2-in-1 formula kills moss, lichen, algae, mildew, and mold without using bleach.
It will not stain any concrete surfaces on which it is used and works in a matter of hours. Once in action, you can see moss turning yellow and brown in front of your eyes. Once dead, you can quickly and easily pull up the dead moss from the lawn.
BioAdvanced Moss And Algae Killer is a liquid product that can treat an area of up to 500 square feet. The manufacturer recommends using the product on a calm day with temperatures between 50° to 90° Fahrenheit for best results.
4. Lilly Miller Moss Killer For Lawn
Hose ‘n Go Moss Out! For Lawns is the fast, easy way to kill moss in lawns.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| It helps the grass absorb nutrients It is easy to use because of its liquid form Best for killing moss within hours Affordable | It can leave stains |
Overview & Review
The Lilly Miller brand also makes liquid ready-to-spray moss killers for people who put ease of use above anything else. However, ease of use here does not imply that this product is inferior to their granular product or will not produce good results.
Once sprayed, the formula starts working immediately, and you will see the moss turning brown and black in a few hours. And since the recipe is ready-to-use, you do not need to mix it or anything, and it easily attaches with a garden hose sprayer.
As for the size of the product, it is a 32 oz bottle that can treat an area of about 500 square feet.
However, please remember that the product is not designed for hard surfaces, as it can leave stains and must be used in the correct dosage to produce desired results.
5. Scotts Turf Builder With Moss Control For Lawns
Scotts Turf Builder with Moss Control kills moss, and at the same time, it feeds your lawn.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Prevents future moss growth It kills moss in a few days Ideal for all types of grass It helps your lawn absorb more nutrients and water Easy to use Available in two size options | Not available for purchase in some states |
Overview & Review
There are instances when moss is not the only issue plaguing your lawn.
For example, your grass might also be thinning in places that will create even more favorable conditions for the moss. Here is where Scotts Turf Builder With Moss Control could come in handy.
The 2-in-1 formula of moss is designed explicitly for lawns with thin turf and lots of moss. It first kills moss and then feeds the yard, which has been deprived of nutrients due to the competition from moss.
The product is granular and can be applied to the lawn using a spreader. However, you will need to water afterward to activate the formula.
Furthermore, I highly recommend that you use Scotts Turf Builder With Moss Control during the active growth season so that your grass can make the most out of it.
6. Lilly Miller Moss Out For Roofs And Walks Concentrate
Lilly Miller Moss Out is a potent liquid product for removing moss from your roof, sidewalk, and patio.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| It has a non-staining formula It works well in shaded spots It easily gets to hard-to-reach surfaces It acts quickly and kills moss in hours It is very affordable | It will not work well if the moss is dryIt only covers about 500 square feet |
Overview & Review
Your lawn is not the only place that gets invaded by moss. It can also attack hard concrete surfaces such as your home’s roof, patio, and driveway. Unfortunately, you cannot use any granular moss-killer product here and will have to use a liquid product instead.
However, which product works best for solid surfaces to remove moss?
In my experience, lawn moss killers can kill moss on roofs and patios, but you would be much better off with a hard-surface targeted moss-killer product.
An excellent example of such products is Lilly Miller Moss Out For Roofs And Walks Concentrate. Its formula contains zinc sulfate instead of iron sulfate, which is present in regular moss killers. And zinc sulfate does not stain hard concrete surfaces.
Furthermore, the formula includes ammoniated soap of fatty acids, which allow the moss-killer to seep into hard surfaces killing the moss once and for all.
RELATED: How To Get Rid of Moss in Your Lawn Naturally | Expert Tips & Tricks
7. Wet & Forget Mildew Cleaner
Wet and Forget Outdoor Cleaner makes treating moss, mold, mildew, and algae stains quick and easy.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| It can cover up to two thousand square feet It can spray areas up to 30 feet high It is easy to use and needs no preparation It also works well as a cleaner and stain remover It produces long-lasting and satisfactory results | If applied to plants, it can be hard to take off It sometimes leaves a drippy slime behind It takes longer than other products to kill moss |
Overview & Review
The following product in our list is Wet & Forget Mildew Cleaner. Its 2-in-1 formula allows it not only to kill algae, mildew, mold, and moss from hard surfaces but also lets it clean stains.
Also, like most stain cleaners on the market, it has no bleach; even better, after its application, you do not need to scrub and rinse surfaces when applied.
Furthermore, it is non-scented, and according to the brand, it has an unlimited shelf-life.
The product is available in several different sizes, and you can get anyone depending on your use and requirements.
However, the formula is toxic, and you should not spray it close to wildlife, lakes, and ponds. For best results, apply the product when no precipitation is predicted for a few hours and ensure the temperature is above 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
8. Scotts MossEx 3-in-1 Ready-Spray
The fast-acting Scotts 3-in-1 MossEX Ready-Spray kills moss, algae, and lichens within hours.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| It is based on a no-stain formula The product is affordable and easy to use It works quickly and kills moss within a few hours Performs remarkably in outdoor settings It can be used at any time of the year | It only covers about 500 square feet It cannot be used when the temperature is above 85F |
Overview & Review
The last moss killer on our list is another one from the Scotts. However, unlike the previous two products mentioned in this list, this one is designed for lawn use.
Scotts MossEx 3-in-1 Ready-Spray is very easy to use too. All you have to do is attach the container to a hose and spray. It can be used at any time of there year, and it does not stain.
However, please remember that for best results, you should spray it during the active growing season of your lawn grass and not spray it when it is too hot outside. It is because the ferrous sulfate-based formula of this product can cause lawn burns.
Also, unfortunately, the product covers only about 500 square feet. So, if you have a large lawn or need to treat a larger area, you will need to buy more than one.
How To Use A Moss Killer Correctly?
Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines when applying a moss killer on your lawn.
The first thing you need to know when using a moss killer in your yard is that it should be done at the right time of the year. While you can kill moss on your lawn any time of the year, the spots left behind from the moss removal will need to be reseeded.
Therefore, if you time moss removal treatment with the active growing season of your lawn grass, you will be able to reseed it immediately. The practice will also save you from worrying about weeds or moss returning to the cleared spot.
Furthermore, if the moss is very thick, I highly recommend that you dethatch your lawn before applying the moss killer. It will ensure that the chemical reaches the lawn surface and kills any moss hidden beneath the grass blades.
Finally, once the moss dies and turns brown or black, you must remove it from the law.
You can do it with a simple garden rake. Once you remove the moss from your lawn, you can either throw it in the trash or compost it at home.
Things To Consider Before Buying A Moss Killer
Moss killers that work great on lawns do not produce the same results on hard concrete surfaces.
Even though all the products mentioned above are great and work wonderfully at killing moss in yards and homes, they are not all perfect. Some are better suited for one application than the other and vice versa. I am trying to say that depending on your use and needs.
You might get more out of one product than the other.
Therefore, here I have compiled a few things you must remember before buying a moss killer on your lawn, root, patio, driveway, and home.
Type Of Moss Killers
Depending on where you want to remove moss in your home, various moss killers are available. These moss killers have different chemical compositions to work effectively on targeted surfaces. It would help if you bought a moss killer that will act on the material or surface you need to clean to avoid potential damage.
Moss Killer For Lawns
The active ingredient in most lawn moss killers is ferrous sulfate. However, if you have thin turf, you might want to use a moss-killer containing fertilizer.
Moss Killer For Concrete Surfaces
The active ingredient in moss killers designed for concrete surfaces such as patios and driveways is often zinc sulfate. It is because the iron in lawn moss killers can rust over time and leave stains if used on hard concrete surfaces outside.
Moss Killers For Roofs
Moss killers designed for lawns and concrete surfaces often contain acidic compounds. These acidic compounds can cause significant damage to roofing materials. So, when you buy a moss killer to clean a rood, ensure it has neutral pH.
Liquid Vs. Granular Moss Killers
Granular moss killers often come in large packaging and can cover vast areas.
As you know by now, moss killers come in two forms: granular and liquid.
Liquid moss killers are easy to use and come in ready-to-use form. However, they are often shipped in small quantities and cannot be used to treat large areas and big yards.
Here granular moss killers come in handy. They come in large shipments and can be spread over a large area to kill moss. However, granular moss killers are somewhat cumbersome to use in yards compared to liquid and ready-to-spray moss killers.
RELATED: The Best Grub Killers (Liquid, Granular + Organic) | A Complete Buyer’s Guide
Size Of The Lawn
As mentioned earlier, liquid moss killers are often shipped in ready-to-use diluted forms that cannot cover large areas.
So, if you have a large lawn, you should buy concentrated liquid moss killer or moss killer granules that you can spread on your property.
Ease Of Use
Lastly, consider the ease of application when buying a moss killer. Caring for a lawn and keeping a home free of moss can be tedious, and you do not want to increase your work. So, go with liquid lawn care if ease of application is your priority.
Final Thoughts
If you are concerned about moss growth on your property, investing in a good moss killer is something you will not regret. However, when buying a moss killer, please keep in mind the things mentioned above so that you do not run into any issues.
Lastly, moss-killer products are temporary treatments. They are not permanent solutions.
So, unless you get rid of the thing causing moss growth, moss will come back to your property sooner or later, no matter how harshly you treat it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What kills moss permanently?
If you want to kill moss once and for all, use a product based on ferrous sulfate. However, it will return unless you remove the things that cause moss growth.
What kills moss the fastest?
The fastest way to kill moss is to use vinegar and water solution. Mix equal parts of vinegar and water in a bottle and spray it on moss. It will die in a few hours, and you can remove it.
What kills moss naturally?
You can use many things to kill moss naturally without using any chemicals. Some examples include baking soda, vinegar, and horticultural oils.
How do you stop moss from growing back?
If you want moss to never grow again on your property, determine the cause and conditions for its growth and fix them or eliminate them from your property.
Does lime kill moss?
Lime can be used to kill moss as it increases the pH of the soil and makes it inhospitable to moss. However, the rise in pH can also be detrimental to your grass.
Sources for Further Reading
Solving Moss Problems in the Lawn. NC State University. (2022). Retrieved 27 December 2022, from https://wayne.ces.ncsu.edu/2022/04/solving-moss-problems-in-the-lawn/
How do I get rid of moss on my lawn? ISU Extension and Outreach. (2022). Retrieved 27 December 2022, from https://hortnews.extension.iastate.edu/faq/how-do-i-get-rid-moss-my-lawn
What Can I Do to Get Rid of the Moss in My Lawn? (2018). The University of New Hampshire. Retrieved 27 December 2022, from https://extension.unh.edu/blog/2018/02/what-can-i-do-get-rid-moss-my-lawn
Editor’s Recommendations
Top 10 Weed Killers For Bermuda Grass | A Comprehensive Guide
St. Augustine Grass 101: Is It Any Good? And, How To Grow It In Your Yard?
What Is The Best Lawn Fertilizer Ratio? A Comprehensive Guide To N-P-K Numbers
