How to remove moss from your driveway

Moss on the driveway is normal but it can look untidy and uncared-for if it gets too far! This article will provide some simple tips on how to remove moss from your driveway easily, with a homemade moss killer for tarmac to help the process.

You will need:

• Bucket
• Spray bottle
• Hard-bristled brush
• Cold water
• Domestos liquid bleach
• Warm water

How to get rid of moss on concrete driveways and paths

1. Make a solution of 23L of cold water to 600ml of liquid bleach in a bucket

   Select your moss killer. You can buy commercial products but an easy homemade moss killer using diluted bleach to prevent discolouration is also a good option. Simply mix 23L of water and 600ml of liquid bleach, such as Domestos, in a large bucket.

2. Add the solution into a spray bottle

   Put your diluted bleach solution into a spray bottle. A garden or backpack sprayer is your best option here for quick and easy coverage.

3. Spray the solution onto the moss

   Spray the moss-affected areas. Make sure that there is full coverage to get the full effect of your homemade moss killer.

4. Leave to soak for around 15 minutes

   Leave it to soak. When it comes to understanding how to get rid of moss on concrete even homemade solutions need time to work! For your bleach solution to fully kill off the moss it requires around 15 minutes.

5. Remove the bleach solution completely with warm water

   Use clean, warm water to fully rinse the area. This includes any mossy areas you have treated. You need to make sure you fully remove all traces of bleach to ensure it doesn’t adversely affect the concrete, tarmac or another driveway surface.

6. Leave for a few hours

   Leave it for a few hours. By the time you come back, you should find that the moss has been killed off. To be sure, check the colour. Dead moss will have turned a yellow colour.

7. Use a hard-bristled brush to remove the moss

   Work methodically across your drive.

How to prevent moss coming back after moss removal

Now you know how to remove moss from tarmac and driveways, you can use these steps to avoid it returning:

• Test the soil pH level.

• Give your driveway plenty of sun. Driveways are often close to lawns and as moss loves acidic soil it's best to test the soil pH level. If your lawn’s pH level is below 6 use agricultural lime to control the acidity.

• Take care when washing your driveway. Moss survives best in areas of shade. A great way to ensure your drive and paths have plenty of sun is to cut back large bushes or overhanging trees. This will stop them from blocking sunlight.

You may want to clean your drive to keep it looking its best but damp, moist conditions are ideal for moss growth. Avoid flooding your drive and try to wash it during the day when the sun is out so it is fully dry before the cool evening.

Can moss damage my driveway?

Moss can potentially damage your driveway if left unchecked. Moss tends to thrive in damp, shaded areas and can quickly spread across the surface of your driveway. As it grows, moss can create a layer of moisture, leading to increased water retention and potential cracking. The roots of moss can penetrate and weaken the surface of the driveway over time. Additionally, moss can make the surface slippery, posing a safety hazard. It is advisable to remove moss from your driveway promptly using methods such as pressure washing, scrubbing with a stiff brush, or applying moss-killing solutions to prevent potential damage.

With our top tips to remove moss from your driveway and learn how to prevent it coming back, you can keep your driveway and paths looking their best with ease.