The Hood River glacier. (Hood River, Or.) 1889-1933, 1922-12-28
MOSS ON LAWNS
CAN BE CONTROLLED

Moss can be controlled IL not com
pletely eradicated from the lawn b,
making conditions unfavorable for it
growth reports A. l.. Peck, professo
of landscape gardening and fioricul
ture. at O.. A. G.
MANY persons encourage tn,
growth of moss by cutting the grass
too often or too short, and by watering
the lawn too often or too late in the
season." says Professor Peck.
"Grass and all plants take their en-
ergy from the sun through their leaves
or foliage. If the leaves of rose
bush were constantly being pluckeC
the bnsh would not thrive. Yet that il
exactly what happens to the grass
plant every time the lawn is cut. The
plant is devitalized to such an extent
by too frequent cutting and too short
cutting that it is unable to compete
with its hardy rival-the moss.
Moss thrives on a damp surface,
hence the lawn should not be watered
too late in the season, warns this spe.
cialist. The ground must have an op-
portunity to become dry occasionally.
Shaded lawns are more subject to the
AuOSS evil kuah lawns III q ldNOTdDle
location.
The condition of the ground may also
encourage moss growth, but this can
be remedied by spreading air-slacked
lime or fine wood ashes over the lawn,
either in the fall or in the spring.
If the lawn is already covered with
moss it should be thoroughly raked
early in the spring. This is the only
treatment now used. Where conditions
are favorable for the growth of moss
steps should be taken to prevent its
growth. An ounce of prevention is
worth pound of cure and often saves
time, money, and labor. according to
Professor Peck.
Grass seed can be sown either in
the fall or in the spring. 1t is often
desirable to plant one crop in the fall
and follow this with another crop in
the spring. Fall sowing should take
place early or Immediately after the
first rain sets in. Spring sowing should
be done just as soon as the frost is out
of the ground, or about the middle of
April. This gives the young grass
chance to establish itself before the
severe summer heat comes on. Pro-
fessor Peck favors spring sowing be.
cause termination is more rapid at
that time and, in general, the results
are more satisfactory.
Beautiful lawn making is an art
which should not be attempted unless
the beginner has some knowledge of
grass seed. There are many kinds of
seed, each adapted to its own environ
ment, and when taken elsewhere,
yielding doubtful result, or no result
at all.
Kentucky blue grass 10 excellent for
lawns. 1t grows slowly but vigorously
almost everywhere but on an acid soil.
Red top shows results more quickly
han blue grass and will thrive on a
'andy soil. This makes fine combin-
ltion with blue grass. English rye
yrass grows quickly and shows almost
immediate results. This alec makes an
excellent combination with blue grass
or some sections of the country, but |
is use is discouraged in Oregon be-
ause it grows in benches which are
lard TO cut with a lawn mower. The |
cultivation of English rye grass for
awns has not met with success in this |
tate, due to climatic conditions. Va
ious-leaved fescue is good for shady |
nd moist places. Rhode Island bent
8 good for putting greens because it |
las a creeping habit and grows in
hady places. Creeping bent can be
sed to bind banks or sloping places.
I also has a creeping habit and grows
n sandy soil. Crested dog Stall forms
low and compact sward, and is good
or slopes and shady places.
Wood meadow grass is very hardy
nd thrives best in the shade. Red
escue is excellent for poor soils and
ravelly banks. White clover is not
recommended for lawn. Sheep fes-
ue is good for light, dry soils.
"lf the grass is adapted to the local
~, and is given proper care. it will
rowd out most of the moss and pre-
ent further moss formation" says
rofessor Peck.