6 Tips on Removing Moss From Pavers
When left unchecked, fuzzy green plants can cover driveways while scummy layers of weeds and moss can grow on pool decks. We're sharing different methods and tips on how to remove moss from pavers to prevent slippery conditions and keep your pavers looking as tidy and majestic as ever.
How to Remove Moss From Pavers
To remove moss from pavers, you can apply chemical removers or bleach. You can also soak the pavers using natural solutions such as soda crystals and pressure washing. Saturating the pavers in boiling water and putting joint stabilizing sand can also help eliminate moss and weeds.
With Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute certification, Aviara Pavers installers are certified with the most current knowledge of material estimating, soil compaction, and paver installation. Despite superior installation, shady driveways, humid patios, and damp entryways can create a space where moss and weeds may thrive. With these moss and weed removal methods, you can eliminate unwanted greenery from your pavers.
1. Practice Manual Removal
Choose manual moss and weed removal for small to medium-sized pavers when you prefer a chemical-free method. Despite the physical effort involved, this method is beneficial for those prioritizing environmental friendliness and direct control over the cleaning process.
Wear gloves to protect your hands.
Use a weeder to loosen the soil around weeds and pull them out completely, including the roots, to hinder moss and weed growth.
Wet a stiff-bristled brush and scrub the moss vigorously from the paver surfaces.
Rinse the area with water to remove dislodged moss and weeds, then sweep away the remaining debris.
Pros
Controlled technique prevents damage to your paver foundation.
An environmentally-friendly approach that doesn't introduce chemicals into the surrounding soil.
Cons
New weeds can grow in the areas where you remove the moss, especially if you also remove clumps of stabilizing sand.
2. Apply Commercial Chemical Solutions
A chemical solution is an effective tool to remove moss between pavers. The great thing about these products is that they generally come with ones appropriate for particular types of surfaces.
Follow the manufacturer's instructions on how to handle the commercial moss remover.
Find a hidden spot in your pavers to test if the chemical will stain or damage the stone or brick. Apply as needed.
Use a pressure washing hose to sweep off the dead moss or weeds.
Rinse the mossy area thoroughly.
Pros
Effective at killing moss with specialized herbicides formulated for specific surfaces.
Simple application process, typically requiring just a bucket and sprayer for even distribution.
Cons
Often more expensive than homemade alternatives.
3. Incorporate Pressure Washing Into Your Daily Cleaning Routine
Pressure washing is an extremely efficient method of eliminating moss and weeds on pavers. However, you would consume lots of water depending on the surface.
Use a low-pressure nozzle, like a 40 to 24-degree nozzle.
Begin with a low angle or 18 inches from the cleaning surface. Avoid aiming the nozzle directly at the mossy outdoor space.
Be careful when spraying around power lines and electrical outlets.
Work your way up in a sweeping motion to fully remove the moss.
Replace joint sand between the stone or brick pavers if they get washed away in the process.
Pros
A pressure washer effectively removes moss and weeds in a single operation.
Cleans deeply between joint spaces where moss tends to establish itself.
Cons
High-pressure streams may damage delicate surfaces or loosen joint material.
4. Use Bleach
Bleach is another option for the best moss remover for pavers. Be sure to avoid bleach running off into other areas of your artificial turf.
Combine equal parts of water and bleach in a spray bottle.
Spray the bleach to treat the area.
Leave the bleach solution for at least 30 minutes.
Wait until the moss dies and becomes yellow.
Use a stiff broom or deck brush to scrub the paver patio or driveway.
Wash away the moss with warm water.
Pros
Readily available and can be applied with just a bucket and brush.
Creates an inhospitable environment for moss regrowth in sand and porous surfaces.
Cons
Harsh on surrounding vegetation.
5. Scatter Soda Crystals
If chemicals or bleach seem too strong for your pavers, an all-natural solution using soda crystals can also combat moss and weeds.
Sprinkle the soda crystals across the mossy driveway or patio.
Use water to dampen the area. Be careful not to wash away the crystals.
Leave the paste for 1 to 2 days to allow the crystals to fight the moss.
Use a stiff brush to remove the brown layer.
Wash the area the way you normally clean pavers.
Pros
Targets moss and weeds at the root without harsh environmental impact.
Versatile for various outdoor space applications, including pavers.
Cons
Slower acting than some chemical alternatives.
6. Saturate the Pavers With Boiling Water
Much like when removing weeds from pavers, hot water can tame moss. Many plants, even non-flowering plants like moss, can't tolerate the hot temperature.
Pour at least 120 degrees Fahrenheit of hot water to submerge the root zone.
Use a stiff brush to scrub the moss and weeds away.
Pour a couple of rounds, if necessary.
Be extra careful because there's a risk of getting your skin scalded.
Pros
A cost-effective technique that can penetrate deep into joint spaces.
A completely natural method with no risk of chemical damage to your foundation.
Cons
Risk of injury during application and limited reach for elevated areas.
Ways to Prevent Moss Growth
Understanding ways to prevent moss growth can help you maintain the aesthetics and longevity of outdoor surfaces.
Provide proper drainage in your outdoor space to eliminate standing water and block the growth of moss and weeds.
Regularly clear debris such as dirt, leaves, debris, and organic matter from surfaces.
Consider using joint stabilizing sand in paver joints as a preventative method against both weeds and moss.
Periodically use pressure washing to block the early stages of moss and weed growth.
Promote sunlight and airflow in shaded areas to discourage favorable conditions for weed and moss growth.
Related Questions
What Is the Easiest Way to Remove Moss From Pavers?
The easiest way to remove moss from pavers is to use a pressure washer, which effectively blasts away the moss with minimal effort. For those without a pressure washer, applying chemical solutions, letting them sit for 15-20 minutes, then scrubbing with a stiff brush is also quite effective.
Does Vinegar Kill Moss on Paving?
Vinegar effectively kills moss on paving stones by altering the pH level of the surface, making it inhospitable for further growth while also helping to eliminate debris and weeds. Simply spray an undiluted solution directly onto the affected areas and wait 24 hours before rinsing.
Does Baking Soda Kill Moss on Pavers?
Baking soda kills moss on pavers by creating an alkaline environment where moss cannot survive. This offers an effective method that's gentler than using a pressure washer while still tackling weeds. Simply sprinkle the powder generously over moss-covered areas, leave it for 24-48 hours, then sweep away the dead moss.
Conclusion
Construction specialists from Aviara Pavers can plan and install pavers properly to minimize moss and weed growth. However, should you encounter paver moss and weeds problems in the future, these removal techniques can give your outdoor living space a clean and glorious appearance.