Did you know that mosses have no roots? Instead, they possess cell filaments known as rhizoids that enable them to attach to various surfaces. Mosses can be found in rainforests, rocks, logs or even close to home – our driveways.
Whether on a private residence or commercial areas, mosses on drive-ways are unappealing to the eye and potentially a slipping hazard. Which is why we need to weed them out.
Below are simple ways of how to get rid of moss on driveways:
Sunlight exposure
Moss loves shady and moist areas, this is where they thrive. It’s important to try and kill moss in a well-lit area to ensure it dies. Most types of moss will only spread if they have an abundance of shade.
Arrange your driveway so that the mossiest areas get the most direct sunlight. The constant heat from the sun’s rays will eventually kill the moss and once the moss is all dried and discoloured, simply use a shovel or trowel to remove it.
Vinegar and bleach
The common household cleaning cocktail of vinegar and bleach is a very good moss killer, in fact it kills pretty much everything. This method works because the acidity of both substances will kill off any plant life it comes into contact with. While this isn’t ideal for large areas, you can use the mixture to target specific problem areas or spots where moss has taken hold.
Mix equal proportions of (either apple cider or white) vinegar and water into a spray bottle. Treat your moss with the mixture till well saturated. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes before scrubbing with a stiff deck broom. You may increase the concentration to your desired preference. Repeat this for a week to get desired results, then hose down the area to get a clean finish.
Baking Soda
Another common yet effective method of moss control is to use baking soda, which is an effective way of getting rid of moss once and for all. The baking soda contains mild alkaline, which can cause the moss to dry out. Mix water and baking soda till you get a paste like consistency.
Make sure that the mixture is thick enough before applying it on your driveway; this will give you more scrubbing power while removing moss. Apply this paste onto the moss covered area, then let it sit for 2-4 days before rinsing with the use of a hose or even a pressure washer.
Another benefit of using baking soda is that it becomes safer to walk on the driveway after you scrub off the moss, for up to three days. However, you must remember not to use too much baking soda as this will leave a white residue on your tarmac drive.
Weed Killing Products
If you have tried the common household products,and the moss is still not dead then it’s time for you to get out your wallet and invest in some professional weed killing products.
There are many moss killers on the market available in most garden or DIY stores. Many of these products are very potent, so you should read the instructions carefully before use. Some moss killing products have strong chemicals that can cause irreversible damage to your tarmac driveway if they are not used correctly.
Before you go out and purchase a particular moss killer product, make sure that it will work on your type of surface or conflict with your sealant. Mix up a small amount of the moss killing product in a bucket and apply it to a discreet area on your tarmac drive.
Check back within 48 hours to see if the moss has died off or not. If it hasn’t, try another type of moss killer – just make sure that you don’t use too much!
Seal your pavers
Moss and algae grow in between the pavers and sand joints due to inadequate or poor drainage mechanisms. Improperly sloped pavers hinder drainage, resulting in a damp area, favourable to mosses.
Sealing the pavers will require professional skills. Jordans Surfacing Ltd offers high-quality asphalt and tarmac solutions. They install, renovate and tarmac driveways, giving you an attractive moss-free drive.
Although moss is beneficial to the environment and does not cause a health risk, it is important to get rid of it to enhance your property’s exterior décor. Give your driveway the beauty it deserves.
In Conclusion
If you’ve ever seen moss sprouting up on your tarmac driveway, it can be an unsightly and frustrating issue. The good news is that there are a few different ways to kill off the pesky green growth without spending too much time or money. If you know of any other methods let us know in the comments section below so we can continue to update this post with more information about killing off moss on driveways naturally!