Algae and Moss Control: How to Get Rid of Algae and Moss

We usually enjoy seeing greenery if we own a garden or lawn, however, there is green plant life that often grows where it is not wanted such as moss and algae. These plants are usually an ugly eyesore when they are found growing on a pond or on concrete and other areas where they shouldn’t be.

Moss are tiny plants that consist of leaves and fine thread-like stems so small they can be one cell long. When very many of these plants are growing rapidly together it looks as if they are painted on, especially when they are growing on rocks and trees. Moss is able to reproduce quickly via spores that travel by wind.

Algae is a plant organism similar to the moss that grows primarily on bodies of water. Commonly known as “pond scum” because of its sliminess and tendency to create mats that sometimes completely cover ponds, this plant is primitive and differs from most plants that grow on lakes and ponds because it doesn’t have any roots, leaves or other common plant structure.

If you see lots of moss in your lawn, this is likely because the conditions are favorable for the moss, but not the grass. The moss takes up the space left by dead grass. Algae and moss can be difficult weeds to get rid of if you don’t have the right products or control approach in place. Some landowners just grow to embrace the unwanted greens. If you aren’t one of those types, you can get rid of algae or moss with algae and moss control chemicals.

Our DIY guide will show you how on how you can get rid of algae and moss from your pond, lake, or lawn with professional quality algaecides and moss killer herbicides. By using our products below and following our step-by-step instructions, you will get rid of your moss or algae problem quickly and affordably.

Identification

Before proceeding with a treatment program, you need to first correctly identify moss and/or algae on your property. Misidentification can lead to wrong treatment products and a waste of time and money.

• Algae and moss are plants that are often confused for one another. Both plants can grow either on water or on land and can be a nuisance plant that can cosmetically affect the appearance of lawns or of pond surfaces.
• Moss are spore-like flowerless plants known for forming green mats or clumps located in areas of high moisture and shade.
• When moss appears on a lawn, it is usually an indication that the conditions of the yard are more favorable to moss growth and less favorable to the established turfgrass.
• Moss thrives in conditions where the soil is acidic, compacted or overly moist from overwatering. Moss can also grow when the soil has not been fertilized properly or there is an abundance of shady areas.
• Algae are rootless and stemless green plants that grow primarily in aquatic environments. Algae can differ in appearance depending on the species—from large kelp to microscopic algae.
• These green plants often grow so rapidly in water that the concentration of the algae can coat the surface of the water with a slimy scum texture or can make the clear water appear totally green.
• Algae require sunlight to thrive and when in abundance they can ruin the appearance of a waterbody and can be an obstacle for water recreation and other aquatic life. 

Use the images and descriptions above to help you to properly identify Moss and Algae on your property. If you are not totally sure, contact us and we wiill have one of our experts assist you with identification.

Inspection

After you have confirmed that you are dealing with either moss or algae, it is then necessary to conduct a detailed inspection and analysis of the body of water or land that will be treated for the algae or moss.

Where to Inspect

Walk along your property or around your water body to observe the environment. Algae and moss will easily be seen, especially if it has been growing for a while. You will need to determine how severe of a problem you have on your hands so you can get the right amount of product to treat the invasion.

What to Look For

If you are treating for algae, it is important to take into account the fishes and aquatic life that use the body of water as a habitat as well as the other vegetation in the water that is desirable and vital to the ecosystem before applying chemicals.

The same is the case for moss on land, taking note of animals and the environment which may be affected by chemical control. Moss growth is usually due to issues with your lawn soil whether it be due to too much shade, the acidity of the soil, excess moisture due to poor drainage or even compacted soil. Finding out what the issue is and doing your best to fix it will go a long way.

Treatment

Depending on whether you have moss or algae, we have the chemical products that will be the best for your lawn or pond. Before handling any herbicide chemical, we stress the importance of keeping yourself safe with personal protective equipment. Bare minimum should be gloves, goggles and long sleeve clothing. Check the product label of your herbicide for specifics.

For moss, we recommend spot treating where moss is growing with Eraser 41% Glyphosate. Glyphosate will kill all types of moss, but being non-selective, it will also kill or severely injure turfgrass or desired plants so you need to limit usage to spot treatments where areas are totally covered by moss or areas that you plan to renovate.

For algae, we recommend applying Cutrine Plus Algaecide. Cutrine Plus is a copper-based algaecide that can control most species of filamentous and planktonic algae and is very easy to use and cost-effective. The Cutrine Plus we are suggesting is a liquid option but there is also a granular version of the product which is also effective and can be used alternatively based on your preference: Cutrine Plus Granular Algaecide.

Step 1 - Mix and Prepwork

Before using Eraser, you will need to calculate the square footage of the area to be treated by measuring and multiplying the area length times the width (length x width = square footage). 1.5 oz. of Eraser in 1 gallon of water will treat 300 sq. ft. of area. So for example, if you have measured 1,200 sq. ft. of area to be treated, you will need to mix 6 oz. of Eraser in 4 gallons of water.

To use Cutrine Plus to treat algae, you will need to also determine how much product you will need by calculating the acre-feet of the water body you wish to spray the product on. To do this, measure the pond length, width and average depth (Length (ft) x Width (ft) x Average Depth (ft) / 43,560 = Acre-feet). For most algae applications, mix 1 gallon of Cutrine Plus with 9 gallons of water to treat 1.5 acre-feet of water.

Fill your spray tank with half the required amount of water, add in the appropriate measured amount of Cutrine Plus (for algae) or Eraser (for Moss) and then fill with the remaining amount of water. Agitate the sprayer well to mix the solution. 

Step 2 - Apply Herbicide to Target Areas 

Apply the chemical treatment to the water or your lawn using a backpack sprayer or hand-pump sprayer.

Eraser 41% Moss Applcation

For moss treatments, carefully spot treat the areas where moss growth is heavy, making sure not to get the Glyphosate on desired turfgrass or plant life. 

Cutrine Plus Algae Application

If treating for algae with Cutrine Plus, spray uniformly over the water surface preferably on a nozzle fan spray setting for uniform coverage.

If you have heavy algae infestations, exercise precaution and treat your pond in sections to prevent the chemical from harming other aquatic life in the water. Treat a 1/3rd or 1/2 of the pond then wait for 5 to 7 days before treating the next section. For filamentous algae, break apart heavy mats on the surface to improve contact with the algaecide when spraying.

Prevention

We want to emphasize that unless something is done to reduce the nutrient richness in the water or pond, algae or moss will continue to be a returning problem. 

Moss thrives in wet, humid conditions and soil that is compacted. It also thrives in soils that have too much acidity. For moss prevention, regularly monitor your lawn for moss and conduct cultural practices such as proper fertilization, improving drainage, and aeration of compacted soil.

Water your lawns deeply and infrequently with about an inch of water each week. and your body of water for any algae issues and apply your control products as needed. Make sure your pond or lawn is getting adequate attention so moss and algae do not creep back up.

To prevent algae, you can apply Vision Pond Dye to your pond. This product helps to discourage regrowth of algae and gives your water that clean blue color. Apply at a rate of 1 quart per surface acre of water at a 5-foot average depth.

Pour the appropriate amount of Vision Pond Dye in a bucket based on your calculations then pour the contents of the dye into the water and it will naturally permeate through the entire water body.

Key Takeaways

What are Moss and Algae?

• Mosses are tiny grass-like plants that grow in form of dense green mats in damp locations. Moss is a good indicator that the condition of your lawn is not ideal for good growth and raking away the moss is not sufficient.
• Algae are single-celled and rootless aquatic plants that form on water bodies. They can be microscopic or large seaweed-like formations and can make water surfaces aesthetically unpleasant. 

How To Get Rid of Moss or Algae

• We recommend Eraser 41% Glyphosate for Moss control and Cutrine Plus Algaecide for Algae control.
• Follow up treatments may be necessary based on the severity of the moss or algae problem.

Preventing Algae or Moss Reinfestation

• Use cultural control methods like addressing drainage issues and aeration to make sure Moss doesn’t reaccumulate on your property.
• To prevent algae, a Vision Pond Dye application is recommended to filter out UV light which will hinder algae growth.