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Angela asked: How do I clean moss from a tar driveway? We have power washed it, but it keeps coming back worse than ever.
Moss is a plant that grows from spores and requires moisture to thrive. While it’s easy to remove the moss from the surface, the spores must be killed in order to keep it from returning.
You Will Need:
- Garden hose
- Liquid moss spray
- Rake or smooth-edged shovel
Steps to Remove the Moss:
- Liquid moss sprays are available at gardening centers and home improvement stores.
- Use a low pressure hose, such as a garden hose to spray the moss-filled area with the liquid moss spray using a hose-attachable spray canister (usually included).
- Allow it to work for several weeks. The moss will become brown and dried as it dies.
- Scrape it away with a rake or smooth-edged shovel.
- Dispose of the moss.
- Apply a second layer of the liquid moss spray to ensure that the spores are killed. This will prevent the moss from returning.
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Additional Tips and Advice
- Zinc gravel can also be spread in a thin layer over the mossy area. When it rains, the zinc will deter the growth of moss spores.
- Moss requires moisture to grow. Check for areas of standing water or poor drainage. If the moisture is removed, the moss will no longer be able to thrive in that area.
- If it’s possible to seal your driveway, consider it after removing the moss and cleaning thoroughly. This will make the surface much easier to clean, and eliminate the pores and nooks that the moss loves so much.
I have a 500m driveway mostly in shade and have tried every commercial product available. All are useless. The only thing that works is liquid chlorine undiluted.
Will liquid cholrine when sprayed on moss on tarmac be harmful to dogs?
Kate,
Undiluted chlorine would be harmful if stepped on or licked; it’s a caustic chemical. Diluted to the proper ratio as described on the bottle, it should not be directly harmful. However, it would be best to keep your dog away from the area while cleaning the moss as a precaution as dogs are more sensitive to chlorine than humans. Good luck!
Source: American Kennel Club – Is It Safe For Dogs To Swim In Pools?
I don’t know if this works, but I’m prepared to give it a try. Thanks for sharing! Moss is a real pest and my driveway is more green than black.
By the way, moss is a non-vascular plant and is classified as a Bryophyte, and not a fungus.