Last Updated on February 15, 2022 by Real Men Sow
If your concrete and paving stones don’t roll easily, chances there’s moss. You will find out the ideal conditions for this age-old plant to thrive. Next, you’ll learn how to remove moss from concrete driveways or between pavers. Finally, you will learn how to stop it growing back.
Why’s There Moss On Concrete?
Moss is non-vascular which means they’re without roots. Instead, it uses the tiny threads known as rhizoids to attach itself to concrete and pavers surrounding your home. These rhizoids attach the plant’s body to concrete, allowing it to absorb water and grow on top.
What encourages moss to grow
Moss needs a moist, protected environment to prevent it drying out. The rhizoids will absorb water from this moist environment. Concrete and pavers are made from porous materials, which allow the rhizoids to anchor in places that other plants can’t.
Tools To Use For Removing Moss From Concrete
- Flat-head Shovel – Sometimes, moss can take on a lot of weight due to the moisture that builds up in it. A flat-head shovel makes it easier to remove it or pick it up.
- Push Broom – After you have used the wire brush to clean up, use the push broom for any remaining debris.
- Garden Hose – If you have decided to remove the moss manually, attach a sprayer attachment to the end of your garden hose.
- Power Washer – A power washer is the best machine for removing dirt and grime. You can use it in many different ways. It cannot be used without the above-mentioned hose.
Removing Moss From Concrete and Asphalt Driveways
It may seem like removing moss from concrete floors is an easy task. It can take patience to get it done correctly. These are some of the methods that you can use for this job.
Method 1: Boiling Water
Boil some water. Next, carefully pour boiling water over the entire surface. This will soften the moss. Use a wire scrubber to clean it up. Use a broom to sweep up any debris or a water hose to wash it away. This is the best method of all.
Method 2: Household Bleach
You will need to first remove your old clothes and rubber gloves. In a spray bottle, combine 1 part water with 1 part bleach. The bleach solution should be sprayed on the affected areas. Let the bleach solution soak in the moss for thirty seconds.
To remove tit from your sidewalk or driveway, use a scrub brush. Use a water hose to remove the debris or a shovel to bag it. Keep in mind that bleach is an inedible killer that can be used to kill any grass or plants you wish to protect.
Method 3: Baking Soda or Agricultural Lime
Sprinkle the baking soda and agricultural lime on the moss. These powders can neutralize the acidic environment it thrives in.
Allow the baking soda and agricultural lime to sit for 24 hours. Use a stiff brush to scrape the surface. It can be swept up with a stiff brush and disposed of.
Method 4: Vinegar
To remove the moss, you can pour full-strength white vinegar on it. Let the vinegar sit for ten mins. Next, you can use a stiff brush to remove the vinegar and a pressure washer for cleaning. If necessary, apply vinegar to the affected area.
Method 5: Ammonium Sulfamate
You must first wear the appropriate safety gear, as this chemical is dangerous. To control woody plants, ammonium sulfamate may be used as an herbicide. Because of its toxic nature, it is difficult to find in garden supply centers. It can also be used to accelerate compost and as a flame retardant.
How to use ammonium sulfate to remove moss?
Ammonium sulfate uses a sprayer, or watering can for application. You can apply the moss to areas around your driveway and walkways. Spraying other vegetation can be dangerous. After the chemical treatment, you can use a power sprayer or a hose to clean up the debris.
Follow the instructions for use that came with your product. These directions provide more information as well as a safe overview.
Method 6: Power Sprayer
Power washing can often clear moss from your driveway, and also clean it up. You can try one of these methods to remove the moss and then use your power sprayer again.
Removing Moss from Paving Stones
To get rid of moss on your paving stones, you can use the same methods above. To reach between the stones, you will only need a putty or garden knife. You can also use vinegar, bleach, baking soda, vinegar or commercial chemicals.
Tips for Preventing Moss on Concrete
Open Up the Area
Open up the area to let more sunlight in. This will prevent it from growing around your home. Reduce the shadows cast by trees and shrubs. Moss requires a moist and protected environment to grow. By allowing the sun’s rays in, you are beating it to the punch.
Copper Sulfate
You can use copper sheeting by the old navy ships to protect their hulls from barnacles below the waterline. Similar tactics stops moss growing. Copper is a natural biologicalcide. It is essentially innocuous to wildlife and in multivitamins we keep in our medicine cabinets.
How to Use Copper Sulfate
You can place copper sheets around your patio, but it is not practical, however, you can coat the area with a copper solution. You can find copper sulfate online in the form of blue crystals. It dissolves quickly in water.
Mix 3/4 pound of copper sulfate to 1 gallon of water. For a typical patio or area of paving stones, two to three gallons is sufficient. Use the solution only if the surface under treatment are very dry. This allows the solution’s to penetrate concrete and pave porous surfaces. It is important to apply it regularly on the surface, as rain can wash away the solution.
