Moss can thrive in almost any environment if the right conditions are present. The spores are constantly suspended in the air, meaning that as long as there is enough light, moisture and nutrition, moss can continue to develop and thrive. This rootless plant has the ability to colonize virtually any surface on your property, including the lawn, roof, walls, driveway, walkway and patio. Below you will find out how you can remove moss from terrace joints.
What exactly is moss?
Moss is a type of plant that does not have vascular tissue. This is how scientists express that it has no roots. Instead, it attaches itself to the concrete and paving stones around your home with very fine threads called rhizomes. These rhizomes connect the plant body to the stones and concrete, allowing the plant to absorb water and grow directly on the surface of the material. The rootless plant needs a moist and shady environment to grow, otherwise it dries out easily. Since concrete and paving stones are made of porous material, the rhizomes can also settle there,where other plantscannot grow.
Certain species grow on concrete and depend not only on the physical structure of the concrete itself, but also on the acidity of the soil in which they develop. It is possible that the acidity of the surface was caused by certain additives in the concrete and cement mix. Another factor contributing to the appearance of moss on concrete and paving stones is the presence of an acidic environment.
Moss on pavers not only makes an outdoor area appear untidy, but can also be dangerous if it grows on patios and sidewalks. To ensure that your surfaces are in the best condition and that they remain functional, you will find some care instructions here.
Also read:Can you use cola against moss in lawns and stones?
Permanently combat moss between paving stones with boiling water
Make sure you have boiling water. Then slowly pour the boiled water over the entire surface. This makes the moss more supple. Then scrub it well with a wire brush until all traces are removed. The residue can be swept up with a broom or hosed down with a water hose. This approach has the least negative impact on the surrounding ecosystem.
Clean mossy patios with bleach
For this procedure, first put on old clothes and rubber gloves. Your spray container should contain a solution that is one part water and one part bleach. Apply the prepared bleach solution to the affected areas. Then give the moss 30 seconds to absorb the bleach solution before continuing. You can remove moss from your driveway, patio, or walkway by scrubbing it with a scrub brush. You can either spray the moss with a water hose or pick it up with a shovel and put it in a bag.
Because bleach is not selective, you need to be extra careful to make sure you don't harm plantsor grassy areasthat you want to care for.
Remove the spores in the joints with a high-pressure cleaner
One of the quickest ways to remove moss from patios is to use a pressure washer. This device sprays water at high pressure onto the damaged areas, spraying away the moss and dirt and making the surfaces clean. However, there is a chance that spores will be spread if you do this. That's why we've outlined some steps you can follow to complete this task risk-free and without spreading spores.
- The first step in application is to remove any large pieces of moss with your hands. This will prevent spores from spreading.
- Apply some lukewarm water to the pavers and joints and then scrape them with a metal brush.
- Then clean the area with the pressure washer until there is no more moss.
Also interesting:Remove green deposits with baking soda: This miracle weapon helps you clean wood, stones, etc.
Remove moss from terrace joints with a garden knife
To remove the moss on your pavers, you can use the same procedures described in the previous section. The only other tool you need for this task is a garden knife or putty knife to reach the areas between the stones. Otherwise, you can try hot water, bleach, or a simple pressure washer.
Complete the task with cola
When it comes to removing moss from sidewalks and patio slabs, cola can do a good job. The drink contains phosphoric acid, which kills the existing moss and prevents new moss from establishing itself. To clean the area where you found the dirt, all you need is a bottle of cola and a brush.
Dishwashing detergent helps against this annoying plant
If you want to get rid of unsightly green stains, take a handheld garden sprayer and mix 4 liters of water and 60 ml of dishwashing detergent. Spray the mixture onto the patio. After you finish spraying, you will notice that the stains are orange or brown within 24 hours, or they dry out permanently. Then clean your mossy terrace.
Also read:Removing moss from the lawn: effective home remedies and tips for combating and preventing it
