Moss Melt, a new environmentally-friendly moss control herbicide for use in commercial applications, receives EPA approval for the control of moss and algae on roofs, hard surfaces lawns and turf.
Moss Melt Concentrate, Moss and Algae Herbicide has recently received Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) registration for use on roofs, lawns, turf and outdoor surfaces and structures. Moss Melt will provide the professional market with a tool that is environmentally responsible and cost effective.
Peter Bierma, president of Green Spear, commented: “There appeared to be an unmet need for effective, safe, and environmentally sound moss control in the professional market. Moss Melt provides excellent moss control at a price point that is considerably less expensive than most of the competing products. I feel that it is the best option on market in terms of effective moss control, handler safety and environmental stewardship.”
The active ingredient in Moss Melt Concentrate is an emulsified d-Limonene, which acts as a natural degreaser. It strips away the waxy surface of moss and algae, for a quick desiccation without the need for direct sunlight or warm temperatures, and is rain fast within one hour. Moss Melt is safe for most surfaces; it features a non-staining formula that will not stain concrete, brick, pavement, stucco or wood and will not damage gutters, metal flashing or downspouts. This opens up the opportunity to use a single product for the control of moss and algae control on most outdoor surfaces as well as lawns and turf. Best of all Moss Melt does not foam and leaves behind a fresh citrus scent after application.
Moss Melt is a highly concentrated low dose material. The product provides a much easier and more effective option for control when compared to conventional moss and algae products. Standard labeled use rate is a 2 percent spray solution (2.56 oz/gallon of water) and a spray volume of 3.8 gallons per 1000 sq. ft. of surface area. One gallon of Moss Melt kills up to 12,500 sq. ft. it would require up to 75lb of zinc, 50 lbs of Iron sulfate or 4-8 gallons of fatty acid herbicides to treat an equivalent area. For applicators, this translates into a reduced environmental impact, as well as less material handling and storage.
Moss Melt Concentrate has been field-tested in both university and independent studies. It was found to be as effective, but faster acting, when tested against the leading moss pesticides. When tested against ‘natural’ moss control herbicides, Moss Melt was both more effective and faster acting. When used in the 2 percent spray solution Moss Melt showed little to no phytotoxicity on bentgrass or ryegrass in university testing.
For landscape professionals the key benefit is Moss Melt’s multi-site label. It can safely be applied on all surfaces in addition to lawns and border plant areas. This makes it good for use in the entire landscape area, but particularly along sidewalks and hard surfaces where iron products can stain.
The product can be administered without harming people, pets or the environment and carries the lowest signal word “Caution” on the label. Treated areas can be re-entered once product has dried. For applicators, this low risk product offers a safer product for their customers, and lowers the concern for employee exposure. Traditional chemical products do exist to effectively control moss & algae; however they can leave damaging environmental impacts. It is also non-toxic and can be used around pets and wildlife.
Moss Melt Concentrate is EPA registered and meets the criteria of the NOP Rule (for Use in Organic Gardening & Organic Production by the USDA National Organics Program). Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) listing is pending review. Grean Spear has initially obtained state registrations in Oregon, Washington, Idaho and has submitted for California.