Moss will grow on almost any surface in the right conditions. Over time, airborne particles such as dust and dirt will combine with the sand in the joints to create a perfect place for moss to thrive. Shady spots, humid conditions, damp areas and periods of prolonged wet weather will accelerate growth. The best way to get rid of moss is to be proactive and remove it early.

Here are several steps you can take to limit the growth of moss:

  1. Keep your patio or walk clean. Don’t allow any dirt, leaves, mulch or debris to accumulate. Clean the surface weekly with a broom or blower.
  2. Keep it dry. Remove any standing water with a broom or blower as soon as possible, particularly areas that remain shaded and not exposed to the sun. Repair any low areas so that the water drains off.
  3. Remove any new moss quickly. As soon as you begin to see some greenish growth, remove it. If left unchecked, it will grow rapidly and take root in the joint sand. Once this happens, removal is much more difficult and time consuming. Then the process of removing the moss could affect the sand and new jointing sand will have to be installed.

If you notice a little moss on your hardscape, you can often control it yourself. Your goal is to remove the moss from the surface without affecting the polymeric sand in the joints. To reduce the damage to your jointing sand, you should tackle this chore on a day when the surface is dry, and the sand is firm.

Follow these steps:

  1. Use a stiff broom to sweep the moss off the joints and pavers. A smaller scrub brush could be used in tight corners or smaller areas. Sweep or blow all the debris from the surface and dispose of it.
  2. If you still see evidence of moss, mix a 10-15% solution of bleach and water in a bucket. Pour it over the affected areas and agitate it with a stiff broom. In some cases you may have to use a hard bristle brush in the joints but be careful not to disturb any of the joint sand.
  3. Rinse the entire area with fresh water and let it dry.

The best way to control moss on your pavers is to keep them clean, dry, and wash them several times a season. You can treat them regularly with a 10-15% bleach solution as a preventative measure.

Although sealing your pavers will not prevent moss, it can limit the amount of moisture in the pavers and joints. This will slow the growth of moss and make it much easier to keep clean and moss free. Get rid of moss today!

If you have a significant amount of moss on your pavers, it might be a job best left for a professional. We’d be happy to meet with you and discuss the solutions we offer. Click here to set up an appointment for a free estimate.

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