How to Get Rid of Nostoc

Q: Do you have any suggestions for getting rid of the green jelly stuff in our lawn?

A: You have nostoc. It’s a gelatinous colony of a type of bacteria that is usually found where grass is growing poorly due to severe compaction, overwatering, or both. It doesn’t kill grass; it has simply colonized an area where it has favorable conditions to grow. When things dry out, nostoc dries to a black crust on the soil. To discourage it permanently, improve soil drainage. You can get temporary control on a lawn with products that contain potassium salts of fatty acids (Moss and Algae Killer). Be sure to follow label directions exactly.