How To Remove Moss From Concrete (Quickly & Easily!)
Not too long ago, moss graffiti went viral. It was a process that involved people purposefully growing moss on concrete to make luxurious forms of art. It’s cool, but most of us do not want to have moss on our concrete. Moss can cause permanent damage to your concrete, which is why removal is so important. The question remains, how do you get all that pesky moss off your concrete?
There are two common ways to get rid of moss growing on your concrete. The first is to manually grab the moss and pull it up. The second is to use a mixture that’s made of equal parts white vinegar and water to kill the moss. Since moss is very sensitive to acidity, adding some acid to its environment will typically kill it.
While this answer seems pretty straightforward, the truth is that you still need to be aware of what moss can do to your concrete. This guide will help you get the most out of your moss problems.
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How Should You Get Rid Of Moss From Your Concrete?
Most moss that grows on concrete can be manually pulled out, if it’s a small case. However, this doesn’t always work well if you have a stubborn moss patch. To get rid of large swaths of moss growing on your concrete, mix equal parts white vinegar and water, then spray it down on the moss.
Once the moss is soaked in the solution, you will need to wait a couple of days. The moss will be easier to pull off at this point, or it can fall off on its own accord. For the most part, this will get rid of any moss problems you have. Of course, there are some situations that could warrant a deeper clean…
Should You Use Moss Killer To Get Rid Of Moss On Concrete?
Believe it or not, moss killer is often reserved for the more extreme situations involving concrete. Most mosses will die off with a quick spritz of vinegar, but if you notice that your moss is out of control, then a moss killer is a great choice. There are several excellent choices you can use to get rid of exceptionally stubborn moss. The most popular choices include:
- Moss Out! Moss Out! is a specialty moss killer that’s designed for use on hard, non-lawn surfaces. This solution can be used on both roofing and sidewalks with ease and is concentrated enough to be capable of repeated uses. Unlike other options, this will not crack or damage the sealing on your concrete. It’s a good deal.
- Lysol. You might be shocked to hear this, but it’s true. A 50/50 mixture of bleach and water can be used to spray on top of the moss. Moss will die on contact with bleach, making this a highly effective moss killer. If you are low on supplies, bleach is a great go-to for your moss problems. (Note: you can also use this method to remove moss from a roof.)
- Baking Soda. Worried about using harsh chemicals that could potentially harm wildlife? It is a warranted concern, and truth be told, you are right to feel that way. Thankfully, baking soda is another natural moss killer that you can use to get rid of moss. To remove moss with baking soda, sprinkle the baking soda over the moss and leave it overnight. Then, use a scrubber to pick up and remove the moss.
What Causes Moss To Grow On Concrete?
Moss can grow on concrete for a variety of reasons. This is a plant that doesn’t have roots. Rather, it just has tendrils that anchor to porous substances. If moss spores find themselves on concrete and are given water, they’ll have enough porousness to be able to start growing. It’s not a sign that your concrete is old or anything. It’s just the way moss works.
How Long Does It Take Moss To Grow On Concrete?
While most mosses can be gotten rid of the same way, the truth is that this is an umbrella term. There are literally hundreds of types of mosses, so it’s not always possible to get an exact timing on how long it’ll take for moss to grow. With that said, there is a time range where you can expect your moss to grow.
Moss can grow in as little as six weeks, while some can take as long as two years to fully mature. If you’re already worried about moss growing on your concrete, it’s safe to assume that you probably have one of the faster-growing moss types out there. Thankfully, it’s easy to remove.
How To Tell If You Have Moss Growing On Your Concrete
Though most of us can tell what moss looks like when it’s fully mature, many people who are new to home care won’t be able to tell the starting stages of moss growth. If you have any of the following issues with your concrete, you probably have a type of moss or algae making its way across your concrete:
- You notice a green stain on your concrete. A green stain isn’t due to paint or some sort of glue for your outdoor carpeting. That’s usually a sign that moss spores are just starting to take root.
- There is moss that is inching its way towards your concrete from the lawn. Moss can act as a weed, and it can grow unabated if left to its own devices. It’s best to nip things in the bud if you see moss.
- You notice some strange brown stems jutting out of your grass. These stems could be spore spreaders for moss.
How Can You Prevent Moss From Growing On Your Concrete?
It isn’t always possible to prevent moss from growing on concrete. Random spores can and do happen. However, there are several ways that you can curb the incidence of moss on concrete sidewalks. These include:
- Clean your concrete sidewalks regularly with a 50/50 solution of white vinegar and water. It kills off spores that could be sitting there before they take root.
- Maintain your lawn and keep it moss-free. This is the most surefire way to prevent moss from crawling onto your concrete sidewalks. Less exposure to moss means that you will have a smaller chance of having moss take root.
- Keep your concrete crack-free. Cracks make it easy for moss to eke up and out onto the surface of your sidewalk.
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Related Questions
Is moss bad for concrete?
Any type of plant life that makes its home on your concrete sidewalks will damage it in one way or another. This includes moss. Moss’s tendrils can sink into the concrete, chipping away at it on a microscopic level. It also can invite other pesky plants to take root nearby, which in turn, can cause even more root-related damage.Even if you have a relatively benevolent strain, moss is an eyesore and can also cause people to trip if they aren’t careful. You just don’t want moss to be on your concrete, okay?
What is the lifespan of moss?
Like other details about this plant, this varies from strain to strain. Some types of moss can only last for a couple of months. However, these are in the minority when it comes to moss lifespans. Most mosses will be able to last for several years when left alone. A handful of species, however, can last for as much as 10 years or more.Because moss can last as long as it does, it’s best to take care of it in a more proactive way. You can’t just wait for it to die.
Does moss need sunlight to survive?
Most moss won’t. Spores only need to be given moisture and a certain level of heat. Most mosses prefer to grow in darker, damper environments. However, it’s not unusual to see moss growing in sunny areas.The best way to explain sunlight’s role in this moss’s growth is that it’s ambivalent to a nuisance. While it’s not exactly necessary for moss growth, sunlight is not an instant moss killer. Most moss will prefer shady areas whenever possible.
Ossiana Tepfenhart is an expert writer, focusing on interior design and general home tips. Writing is her life, and it's what she does best. Her interests include art and real estate investments.
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