If you have moss growing on your paving stone patios, driveway or walkway, it can be both visually unappealing and a slipping or tripping hazard. Unless you happen to be going for a rustic, old-world look, you most likely want to get rid of moss as soon as possible.
There are several ways to remove moss from pavers and other surfaces, including both natural and not-so-natural options. Here are eight moss removal tricks you can use to keep your paving stones looking beautiful. As an added bonus, these tips for getting rid of moss can also be used on rocks, concrete and bricks. Here are 8 tips on how to get rid of moss:
The easiest, least expensive and most natural moss removal method is to expose it to sunlight. Move cars and patio furniture, prune nearby trees and shrubs, and let the sunshine in to directly shine on the mold. Moss does not grow in sun-soaked, dry areas, so this may be the only solution you need.
How To Get Rid of Moss on Rocks A Complete GuideMoss growing on rocks can be an eyesore in an otherwise beautiful garden landscape While moss provides a pop of green color, over time it can take over and make rocks appear unkempt. Luckily, with the right techniques and products, you can banish moss from your yard and restore the natural beauty of your rocks. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of removing moss from rocks, as well as provide tips for prevention
What is Moss and Why Does it Grow on Rocks?
Before diving into moss removal methods, it helps to understand exactly what moss is and why it grows on rocks in the first place.
Moss is a type of bryophyte or non-vascular plant that lacks true stems, leaves, or roots. Without a vascular system to transport water and nutrients, moss absorbs moisture and minerals directly through its leaflike structures.
Rocks provide the perfect habitat for moss growth because they retain moisture. Moss spores carried by the wind settle in the natural crevices and pores of rock surfaces. With abundant moisture and shade the spores germinate and moss begins to colonize and spread.
While moss won’t directly damage rocks, excessive growth can give your yard an unkempt, overgrown look. Removing moss will restore the clean appearance of your natural stones.
Supplies Needed for Moss Removal
Removing moss from rocks requires just a few simple supplies:
- Garden hose – Provides water for rinsing
- Scrub brush or broom – For scrubbing moss away
- Bucket – For mixing cleaning solutions
- Moss killer (optional) – Chemical products to expedite moss removal
- Pressure washer (optional) – Blasts away stubborn moss
- Garden gloves – Protect your hands during scrubbing
- Safety goggles – Shield eyes from debris and chemicals
Step 1: Sweep Away Debris with a Stiff Brush
Start by using a stiff scrub brush or broom to lightly sweep debris off the surface of the rocks. This removes any loose particles and makes it easier to scrub the moss away. Focus on dislodging the moss rather than brushing vigorously. Sweeping prepares the moss for removal in the next steps.
Step 2: Scrub Away Moss with Warm Water
After clearing off surface debris, grab your scrub brush and garden hose. Adjust the water to a warm temperature, but not too hot as this can damage the rock. Gently scrub the mossy areas while spraying them with water. The combination of brushing and warm water helps to slough off the moss. Scrub until you’ve removed the majority of the growth.
Step 3: Use Moss Killer for Stubborn Moss
For moss that proves difficult to scrub off a chemical moss killer can expedite removal. Look for moss killers containing ingredients like iron sulfate, ammonium sulfate, or sodium carbonate peroxyhydrate. Always follow label directions closely. Spray the product over the mossy rocks, allowing it to soak in completely. After waiting the recommended time, you can more easily scrub away the dead moss using the brush and hose method. Wear gloves and goggles when using chemical moss killers.
Step 4: Power Wash with Caution
As an alternative to manual scrubbing, you can use a power washer to blast away stubborn moss. Adjust to a low setting and keep the nozzle at least 6 inches from the rocks to prevent damage. Power washers quickly remove moss but must be used carefully on delicate rocks. Always check the stability of heavier rocks before aiming a power washer their way.
Step 5: Rinse Away Debris
After removing the bulk of the moss, give the rocks a final rinse with the garden hose. A strong stream of water will carry away all remaining mossy debris. Rinsing eliminates any traces of moss and leaves your rock surfaces looking clean. Check crevices and textures closely to ensure every last moss particle gets washed off.
Step 6: Apply Moss Prevention Solutions
To keep moss from recurring quickly, apply a moss prevention solution after removing growth and rinsing the rocks. Look for sprays containing zinc, iron or fatty acids designed to prevent moss regrowth. Apply as directed on the product label. Re-apply every few months for an ongoing moss deterrent. Promoting proper drainage around garden rocks also helps stave off future moss.
Tips for Moss Prevention
Removing existing moss is only half the battle – you’ll also want to take steps to prevent moss from returning. Here are some handy tips:
- Improve drainage and reduce moisture around rocks. Address standing water issues.
- Allow more sunlight to reach the rocks to inhibit moss growth.
- Apply moss prevention solutions regularly. Products with zinc or iron work well.
- Scrub and rinse rocks periodically to remove new moss before major growth occurs.
- Test soil pH and adjust if needed. Moss prefers acidic soil, so mitigating this can slow growth.
- Use a bleach or vinegar solution to kill and remove young moss.
- Pull out moss by hand immediately after rainfall when the soil is loose.
When to Call a Professional
For excessively large moss problems, or if moss keeps rapidly returning, calling a professional may be wise. Landscapers can apply industrial-strength moss killers or manually remove dense growth. They also have access to power washers that can blast away years of thick moss buildup. Professionals can get to difficult to reach spots and give you expert moss prevention advice.
Do’s and Don’ts of Moss Removal
Follow these do’s and don’ts for safe, effective moss removal:
Do:
- Wear gloves and goggles for protection
- Scrub gently to avoid damaging rocks
- Use a soft brush for delicate rock material
- Adjust water temperature to avoid cracking rocks
- Follow all label instructions carefully
- Rinse away debris when finished
Don’t:
- Use a wire brush or scraper that can scratch rocks
- Power wash fragile rocks on high settings
- Allow chemicals to linger on grass or plants
- Mix chemicals, like bleach and vinegar together
- Scrub rocks in direct sunlight when hot
- Attempt to pry moss out by hand
Ready to Banish Moss from Your Landscape?
With the right tools and techniques, clearing pesky moss from your yard rocks doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Carefully sweeping, scrubbing, rinsing and using specialty moss products will restore the natural beauty of your outdoor landscape. Just be sure to take safety precautions and avoid damaging delicate rocks. Achieving a lush, verdant lawn free of messy moss buildup is completely possible. So grab your gloves and get ready to reclaim your yard!
Try Boiling Water
Much like weeds growing in driveway cracks, the moss on your paving stone walkway or patio can be tamed by pouring boiling water over it. This is another natural option that will have little to no effect on desirable plants nearby. You will likely need to follow up the boiling water bath with a good scrub with a deck brush or a stiff broom.
Sprinkle Baking Soda
Baking soda is another natural option that is good to try before moving to chemical means, but may or may not be effective enough on its own. This partly depends on how serious your moss issue is at the time of treatment.
To use baking soda to remove the moss from your paving stone driveway, walkway or patio, sprinkle it generously over the moss. Leave it overnight, and then use a push broom or deck brush to first remove the baking soda, and then to scrub the area to remove the moss.
The CHEAPEST Method to Kill Moss
FAQ
What is the best way to remove moss from rocks?
- Scrape the moss away with a putty knife.
- Mix a 50/50 mixture of water and bleach.
- Fill a pump up garden sprayer with the bleach mixture.
- Wet the surface with the bleach mixture.
- Allow the bleach mixture to remain on the surface for 15-20 minutes.
What kills moss permanently?
Why is moss growing in my rocks?
Moss often grows on rocks rather than dirt for several reasons: Moisture Retention: Rocks can provide a stable, moist environment that moss needs to thrive. While dirt can also retain moisture, it is more subject to drying out, especially in sunny or windy conditions.
Will sprinkling baking soda on moss kill it?
Yes, sprinkling baking soda directly on moss is effective. It will dry out and kill the moss over time.