Moss growth on patios is a persistent problem for UK homeowners but there’s a very simple way to get rid of it.
Moss can destroy your patio if it’s left for too long(Image: Imagesbybarbara via Getty Images)
As the temperatures rise and the days grow brighter, now is the perfect opportunity to tackle some much-needed garden tasks. If you’re planning a summer of entertaining friends and family, you’ll want your outdoor space looking its very best.
One of the most common annoyances for UK gardeners is moss appearing between paving stones. Britain’s persistently damp climate are the ideal conditions for it to spread across patios, driveways and paths.
Left unchecked, moss can make outdoor surfaces dangerous and slippery, while also causing lasting stains and contributing to cracks and erosion in paving over time.
With many households trying to save money amid the rising cost of living, experts say there are straightforward, eco-friendly methods to tackle it without resorting to pricey chemicals or pressure washing.
This is often considered the quickest solution, but it can damage mortar joints and use up vast quantities of water. At the same time, harsh chemical treatments can prove harmful to nearby plants, pets and wildlife.
If untreated, moss on patios can lead to long-term damage(Image: Getty)
However, Jon Saeed, gardening enthusiast and co-founder of outdoor lighting company LightingLegends.com, says there’s an cheap and natural method to quickly banish moss from your patio — and all you’ll need is boiling water.
How to get rid of patio moss
Jon explained: “Moss is usually a sign that an area is staying damp and shaded for long periods of time. The good news is that once you tackle those conditions – improving drainage, letting in more sunlight and gently removing the buildup for example – it becomes much easier to keep it from coming back.
“In most cases, you don’t need harsh chemical treatments at all, just a bit of regular maintenance and the right approach.”
Simply pour boiling water carefully over the moss to get rid of it naturally. Allow around five to 10 minutes for it to begin turning brown, then use a scrubbing brush to clear away the remnants.
You can easily get rid of moss that appears on your patio(Image: Getty)
However, boiling water isn’t the only natural solution for tackling patio moss. Jon also suggests baking soda, which can be sprinkled directly over any mossy patches and brushed in.
Baking soda is alkaline in nature, which works to dry the moss out and eventually destroy it.
Alternatively, combine equal parts white vinegar and water, spray the mixture onto the moss and leave it for half an hour before scrubbing it away. Be careful to keep the solution away from nearby plants, however, as white vinegar could damage them too.
If a particular area of your patio persistently attracts moss growth, the lighting could be the culprit. As moss flourishes in shaded spots, trimming back overhanging plants and trees will help to reduce both shade and moisture buildup.
Comments are closed.