How to Get Rid of Moss on Pavers
No more unwanted moss carpets
The livelihood of moss can be problematic since it can grow on almost any surface with the necessary conditions. If you don’t want your pavers to turn into fuzzy, green carpets, then you need to remove moss growth as soon as you can. Here are some simple methods for removing moss from pavers that you can do yourself.
Why Do I Have Moss on My Pavers?
Moss growth is one of the most common pavement problems you may encounter. As dust and dirt combine with the sand in your paver’s joints, they form the perfect environment for moss to grow. Therefore, you may notice moss growth after the rainy season almost immediately, especially on pavers in cooler, damper areas that get less direct sunlight.
If your paver patio has drainage problems, the standing water and moisture accumulation also make it easier for moss to grow on the pavers.
How Much Does it Cost to Remove Moss from Pavers?
Moss cleaning costs an average of $100 and $300 for an average-sized paver patio or driveway. The cost depends on the severity of moss growth, the size of the surface that needs to be cleaned, and your local labor hourly rates.
How to Get Rid of Moss on Pavers
The most effective ways to get rid of moss on your own include manual removal, using bleach or chemical cleaning solutions, scattering soda crystals, or using a pressure washer. These methods can be done by yourself.
Manual Removal
Manual removal is the easiest method and works best with early moth growth on small—and medium-sized pavers. Start with a weeder to loosen the soil, then pull out any visible weeds, including their roots. Dip a stiff-bristled brush into water, then scrub the joints to remove the rest of the moss. Rinse the area with water using a garden hose, then sweep away any remaining debris.
Use Bleach or Chemical Cleaners
For slightly more stubborn moss, consider using a bleach-water mixture or chemical cleaners designed for paver cleaning. However, some types of paver can get stained or discolored by chemicals. Therefore, test your solution on your pavers at an inconspicuous spot before using it to clean off the moss.
Use Scatter Soda Crystals
Soda crystals are an all-natural solution to remove moss and weeds from your pavers that is friendlier for the environment and your pavers than bleach or other chemicals. To use soda crystals on moss, scatter the crystals across the mossy areas. Wet them with water, but be careful not to wash the crystals away. Leave the soda paste on the pavers for one or two days, then remove it with a broom or stiff brush. Rinse and wash the area to remove any residuals.
Use a Pressure Washer
Pressure washing is one of the most effective ways to clean pavers. Use a low-pressure nozzle and evenly move your nozzle left and right to get rid of moss on your pavers. Avoid high pressures or washing the same area for a prolonged period because that can remove binders in paver joints or damage the surface if you use a more fragile paver material.
Use Boiling Water
You can also pour boiling water on your pavers to kill the moss. Make sure the water is at least 120 degrees Fahrenheit and pour generously to submerge the root zone. Wait a few minutes and scrub the moss away. For thorough cleaning, you may need to repeat this process several times.
How to Prevent Moss Growth on Pavers
Cleaning is only the first step in keeping your pavers moss-free. Regular paver maintenance is what will prevent moss growth on pavers. Here are some things you can do:
Regular cleaning: active cleaning can prevent dirt and debris from building up in the joints, thus reducing the likelihood of weeds and moss growing.
Use paver locking sand: After removing moss from your pavers, refill the joints with special paver locking sand. This material hardens and creates a strong barrier against weeds and moss.
Keep your pavers dry: After a rain, sweep any standing water off your pavers immediately. Moss loves water puddles, and the drier you can keep your paver, the less likely moss will grow.
Paver sealing: Finally, you can seal your pavers to prevent moss from growing on them altogether. However, you’ll need to reseal them every 3 to 5 years.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
If your moss growth is extensive, it’s best to hire a paver contractor for the cleaning. Additionally, if you’re unsure about how to pressure wash the pavers, we recommend leaving it to the professionals to avoid potential damage. Most paver contractors charge for cleaning at an hourly rate or based on surface sizes. On average, it costs $100 to $300 to get rid of moss on pavers. Paver cleaning and sealing costs $300 to $550 on average.
Bleach and vinegar can both kill moss effectively. However, if you’d rather use a non-chemical option that’s better for the environment, vinegar is the choice. Depending on the paver material you use, vinegar and bleach can also stain or discolor the surface. When unsure, test and use the option that doesn’t react with your paver material.
Chemical herbicides will kill moss permanently. The same goes with bleach water. However, moss can start growing again once a new layer of dirt and debris is caught in your sand in paver joints. Therefore, the problem is not about killing moss permanently, but ensuring effective prevention of moss regrowth.
After removing existing moss, consider using paver blocking sand to fill the joints. This specialty material hardens once placed and serves as an effective barrier against moss and weeds. From there on, regularly clean your pavers and try to keep them dry. You can also seal your paver as a semi-permanent solution — just make sure you reseal every 3 to 5 years.
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