Fewer things improve and add value to a property more than pavers. In the same proportion, fewer things can ruin their appearance more than moss. Pavers are one of the best home upgrades that exist today and with an immediate return. However, even if you live in warmer areas, likely, you already had to deal with the following question: how to remove moss from pavers.
From an aesthetic point of view, moss between pavers can even add a certain charm to your walkway, for instance. It may be a good idea if you want to give your walkway a more natural and relaxed sort of look.
Still, it’s hard to control moss growth, as it will reach a point that it soon will cover your entire walkway. If it’s in an area with little to no sunlight and where there is humidity, moss can grow at an accelerated speed, until it escalates to a hazard issue. Moss covered pavers are very slippery, especially on rainy days.
Seeing your investment all covered with that green goo can be very frustrating. But don’t worry, in this article, we will address some of the main questions around this subject. So, without further ado, let’s dive into it.
How To Get Rid Of Moss On Pavers?
The first aspect we’re going to discuss is what is the easiest way to remove moss. It may not come as a surprise to you, but the simplest, least expensive one is to expose it to sunlight. So, if there is a chance of making sunlight naturally reach the place where the moss is growing, do it. Removing whatever is blocking the sunlight is usually possible when it’s a tree or plant and when that is the cause.
Still, what if a leaky faucet, broken pipe, or errant sprinkler heads is causing the moss? Then you must first make the necessary repairs and adjustments. Long-term humidity is one of the main factors in moss formation, so it’s essential to repair the leak. Wasting water is a very severe matter too.
What Is The Best Thing To Kill Moss?
You can use several methods and products to get rid of moss in pavers. Below, we will discuss some of the most common ways, starting with those that can be considered the best. Still, be aware that all the methods listed, despite being natural even, always offer some downside.
The essential point to remember is that after any pavers’ cleaning, you need to reapply the sealer. Sealing not only facilitates the cleaning process, but also considerably reduces the incidence of moss in pavers.
So let’s go to all the methods you can use to kill moss.
01 – Boiling Water
Much like weeds growing in driveway cracks, you can get rid of moss on your paving stone walkway or patio by pouring boiling water over it. The best thing about this natural method is that it will have little to no effect on desirable plants nearby. You will likely need to follow up on the boiling water bath with a good scrub with a deck brush or a stiff broom.
02 – Pressure Washer
Another natural option is to use a power washer to get rid of paving stone moss. This method may or not be an effective way to get rid of the moss problem and uses a lot of water, so this should not be the first option you try.
If you do opt for power washing, you may need to replace joint sand between your pavers if it is washed away in the process. Also, remember that resealing is necessary after pressure washing.
03 – White Vinegar
White vinegar is a popular choice for naturally getting rid of unwanted weeds, and it is also used to kill moss. When using this natural option, you may find that you need to treat the area multiple times to achieve the desired result.
It’s important to remember that vinegar, as well as other substances, although not so harmful, requires some care. The first consideration is with the solution strength, always dilute the vinegar in water. Another significant point is regarding nearby plants. Vinegar is a non-selective method to eliminate the moss, so it can also kill other plants.
Consider using vinegar as the last possible option.
04 – Baking Soda
Although this is not much of a natural method to kill moss in pavers, it’s still a very effective one. Baking soda is a very powerful and easy to handle agent, just apply the substance over the mossy area and let it rest until the next day. You will likely need to repeat the process for a few days and clean the area with a broom. Also remember that, just like with vinegar, baking soda is a chemical substance and requires a certain level of care when handling it.
05 – Commercial Moss Removers
Of course, one of the best things you can use to kill moss is something specifically designed for it. There is really no mystery to it, you only need to consult with a specialist at your local hardware store to know which products are safe to be used on pavers.
Once you acquire a safe product, test it on a small portion of your patio, carefully following the instructions of the product. If it works as intended on that small portion, you can apply it on the whole area.
How To Stop Moss From Growing In Pavers
Prevention is the keyword when it comes to fighting moss. Although there are specific chemicals to eliminate moss from pavers, none of them exceeds a well-done cleaning and sealing service. As mentioned earlier, sealing provides extra protection for pavers and can drastically slow down the occurrence of moss.
S&S Pavers has over 10 years of experience serving the counties of Manatee and Sarasota, from paver installation to cleaning and sealing services. If you live in the Sarasota and Manatee counties, leave us a message or call us. We will be happy to offer a free estimate.
FAQ
How do I get rid of moss on my pavers naturally?
Exposure to the sun can be considered the most natural method possible. But one of the least aggressive ways in which you can get rid of moss is by using a combination of equal parts water and white vinegar. Add the mixture on a spray bottle and spray it on the area.
Will bleach damage pavers?
Yes, bleach is very dangerous to use around pavers. It is not recommended, not even to solve your moss problems, as they will probably end up damaging the pavers as well. It is a very powerful chemical that, even when diluted, when exposed to the sun can cause irreversible damage to the pavers.
How do you keep moss from growing on bricks?
One of the best ways to prevent moss from growing in a specific area is to add zinc stripes to it. Zinc is very damaging to moss and will prevent their proliferation. One small stripe every foot will already do the trick.
Is it OK to let moss grow between pavers?
Yes and no. As long as it is a controlled growth with aesthetic purposes, it’s fine. You will need to buy moss fragments that are appropriate for that though, it cannot be any moss.
