Need Suggestions for Plants to Replace Moss

Question

My north-facing slope is covered with moss (and some weeds). I’ve planted clover and it has taken in some areas but not others. I have fruit trees (5 yrs old) planted on it; they are not doing great. I have fertilized several times. I assume the problem is acidity combined with shade. I have a couple of hives of honeybees. I’d like to get the clover or some other bee friendly plants (i.e. borage) to grow there. The slope seems to be creeping, so I need something that will hold it better than the moss. Do I need to kill the moss or just change the conditions (i.e. add lime and fertilizer)? I’m afraid to leave bare soil for any length of time. I’ve seeded the clover several times over the past couple of years – it takes and there are healthy patches in some areas, but others are covered with moss. Please help me resolve this problem.

Answer 1

I would recommend removing the moss. The best way to do this is to begin with a soil test, as this will let you know what is missing so that you can grow healthier plants, like clover, in the area. These articles may help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/problems/weeds/killing-moss.htm , https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/lawn-care/lawn-substitutes/white-clover/grow-a-white-clover-lawn.htm