In the home lawn, the usual cause of moss growth is insufficient sunlight to support the turf grass. Many gardeners will make rather heavy annual applications of limestone in an attempt to kill it. Have the soil tested before applying limestone. Soil with low fertility levels will not produce a vigorous turf. Weak, thin turf will provide niches for plants with lower nutrient demand to become established.
Mosses have a low demand for nutrients.
A soil test will determine the levels of the major nutrients. Heavy or compacted soil, as well as excessively wet soil, will have low oxygen levels. Oxygen is necessary for good turf grass root growth. Compacted soils can be aerated with a spoon or core-type aerator. A few inches of decomposed organic matter will also help.