Unwanted moss

[Blackbird]

Help needed! How do I remove moss from textured paving slabs without killing precious tiny plants growing between them? I scrape and then scrub with a stiff brush but some always remains. The heavy rainfall this last year has made it much worse than previous yesrs.

 

[Oliver Buckle]

Welcome to the forum
TBH I can't think of a way other than you are doing, but it might help to use a deck scrubber. I found I quickly wore the bristles out on mine, but the wooden head is held on with four screws and I replaced it with an actual scrubbing brush, which was a lot cheaper and had the advantage of a pointed end. I use bleach on mine and wash it off onto the lawn, which doesn't seem to mind, but it must be fairly dilute by then. I look forward to seeing if someone comes up with something better, there is a wealth of knowledge out there in this community.

 

[oneeye]

Hello and welcome friend. Try using mixture of vingar and water with a drop of dish soap with a brush. Try one small area and if the moss dies quickly then mix a whole bucket.

 

[oneeye]

The above is the gentle and this is the stronger version. What I did prevent moss was use muriatic acid dulituded with water. Its the same as you use for swimming pools and its cheap. I used a it to clean moss off building tiles on the north side at a Buddhist monastery years ago. It just takes a little mixed with some water. You have to be careful mixing it and make sure you have the right dilution. One part acid to ten parts water and use gloves. I used a bucket but you can use a hand sprayer. When I got this mix on my hands it tingled but didn't burn me, however I would still wear gloves and use safety glasses.

 

[Blackbird]

Welcome to the forum
TBH I can't think of a way other than you are doing, but it might help to use a deck scrubber. I found I quickly wore the bristles out on mine, but the wooden head is held on with four screws and I replaced it with an actual scrubbing brush, which was a lot cheaper and had the advantage of a pointed end. I use bleach on mine and wash it off onto the lawn, which doesn't seem to mind, but it must be fairly dilute by then. I look forward to seeing if someone comes up with something better, there is a wealth of knowledge out there in this community.

Thank you, but I will wait to see if any other ideas.

 

[Meadowlark]

Prevention measures can really help. Regularly brush the slabs with a good stiff broom to remove dirt and/or debris and starting young moss. This can help tremendously if it is done consistently.

Another prevention measure, if you can add sunlight by trimming overhead branches that can help significantly. Any drainage improvements to remove moisture helps.

A pressure washer will blast away moss and dirt and can be used without chemicals but must be used cautiously to protect valued tiny plants.

Vinegar and water as recommended by @oneeye is effective.

 

[Blackbird]

Prevention measures can really help. Regularly brush the slabs with a good stiff broom to remove dirt and/or debris and starting young moss. This can help tremendously if it is done consistently.

Another prevention measure, if you can add sunlight by trimming overhead branches that can help significantly. Any drainage improvements to remove moisture helps.

A pressure washer will blast away moss and dirt and can be used without chemicals but must be used cautiously to protect valued tiny plants.

Vinegar and water as recommended by @oneeye is effective.

Thank you for your advice. I can usually keep on top of it but this winter has been too cold for so long and wet that I haven’t been able to. The pressure washer seems a good idea so thank you for suggesting it.

 

[PGB1]

I do what One Eye said about vinegar. I've found that if I apply it with a spray on a hot day when the moss is dry and thirsty the moss magically lets go of the pavement in a few short minutes. Gentle brushing with a nylon scrub brush lifts it off. I am careful not to soak the pavers so that no run off goes past the stones. Between the pavers nothing died.

I've not tired this, but I wonder if chelated iron would work on the moss.

 

[Blackbird]

Thank you! I must wait for a hot day, which is not easy in the middle of England, but it sounds that like us you favour keeping the tiny plants in the cracks. We have mints, thymes, Pratia and violets. I’ll definitely give it a try!

 

[Sean Regan]

Hi and welcome.

Try "Wet & Forget" it says it won't damage plants.

Wet & Forget Mould Lichen & Algae Remover Outdoor Cleaning Solution Bleach Free | eBay

Wet & Forget Mould, Lichen & Algae Remover Outdoor Cleaning Solution is a powerful, bleach-free cleaning product designed for outdoor surfaces that are affected by mould, lichen, algae, and other stains.

www.ebay.co.uk

B&Q probably sell it too.

Curiously, it's made in Australia.

 

[Blackbird]

Hi and welcome.

Try "Wet & Forget" it says it won't damage plants.

Wet & Forget Mould Lichen & Algae Remover Outdoor Cleaning Solution Bleach Free | eBay

Wet & Forget Mould, Lichen & Algae Remover Outdoor Cleaning Solution is a powerful, bleach-free cleaning product designed for outdoor surfaces that are affected by mould, lichen, algae, and other stains.

www.ebay.co.uk

B&Q probably sell it too.

Curiously, it's made in Australia.

Thank you for suggesting something which might do the trick. I’ll definitely look out for it as even if it's not suited for this job it might well be useful for other tasks. It sounds as if it will though, so thanks again.