Moss – What Kind To Grow On Shaded Hillside

Q: I have a mostly shaded hillside and would like to grow moss. Which kind should I use?

A: There are hundreds of different species of moss and probably dozens of them are growing right now near your hillside. Generally speaking, if you provide the right environment, moss will come quickly. Moss likes shade, clay soil, and consistent moisture. Consider clearing four or five ten-foot diameter areas down to the clay soil layer and installing a water hose permanently nearby. Keep them watered during dry periods and consider transferring spots of moss from other parts of your property to the clearings. Blow tree leaves off occasionally and moss should establish within a year.