The black areas that golfers are noticing on the greens are
Silvery Thread Moss, Bryum argeneum. Moss is generally attributed to low N
fertility and over watering. This moss
growth began to emerge as a problem last year.
We are utilizing several different strategies to eradicate the
moss. Once the moss becomes established,
it can be very difficult to control. The
products used to control moss can be tough on turf (especially greens). Therefore, we must apply these chemicals at
lower rates that result in a longer period to control the moss. We
should begin to see results in approximately a month. The black color is actually good (the areas were previously green). The color change demonstrates that the strategies
we have employed are beginning to kill the moss. A combination of chemicals and cultural
practices should eradicate this problem.
