Cultivation or aeration breaks up the algal crust or moss mats. Prior to or during this activity is also a good time to add and mix the lime and fertilizer as recommended by the soil test. Avoid excessive irrigation. Only water the lawn when it is needed. Regular scheduling or automatic watering can result in excessive moisture in shaded areas or accumulation of water in poorly drained places that favor moss or algal growth.
Chemical control is only a short-term alternative to moss or algae problems.
Only temporary or partial control should be expected. Long-term, successful control of these pests is achieved through modifying the environment that favored the pest growth. Non-selective herbicides such as Roundup will kill desirable turfgrass as well as moss and will require reseeding or resodding of the damaged areas. You can reseed, sprig, or sod 10 to 14 days after Roundup application. Apply 3 to 5 ounces of copper sulfate in 3 gallons of water per 1,000 square feet of infested turf.