Should you leave moss on your patio? It can cause more damage than you think

We spoke to experts about how to remove it quickly and efficiently.

Moss has its place in a yard, adding plush texture to a rock bed, or enchanting ground cover beneath a canopy of trees. However, as charming as it is, moss requires some upkeep, and its growing path should be kept within strict boundaries. For example, if moss extends onto your front porch, then you may run into some problems.

If you notice moss on your patio, we spoke with experts on what to do next. Read on to learn more about how moss can damage a patio, how to remove it, and how to keep it from coming back.

Meet Our Expert

• Heidi Grasman, a professional gardener, gardening educator, and co-owner of Garden Crossings
• James King, hardscaping expert and vice president of design at RTA Outdoor Living
• Brandon McCormick, landscape designer at Hooks & Lattice

Related: 20 Backyard Patio Ideas to Transform This Space Into an Outdoor Haven

Should You Remove Moss?

Moss on the patio isn’t an emergency, but it should be handled sooner rather than later. It usually grows there when the area is too damp, shady, poorly ventilated, or isn’t draining properly. 

When left to grow freely, moss on your patio can become a safety hazard because it makes concrete, stone, and brick slippery, says professional gardener Heidi Grasman. 

She adds that moss also holds moisture, which can eventually lead to damage. Over time, trapped moisture contributes to staining, surface deterioration, and, in colder climates, freeze-thaw damage that causes cracks or loosens pavers.  

Tips

If you like the look of moss but want something safer for your patio, Grasman suggests Coccineus Red Creeping Thyme, which brings violet-pink summer flowers instead of slick green growth.

How to Remove Moss

It’s best to swiftly remove moss if you notice it growing on your patio—or any other hard surface where you don’t want it to spread. Here’s how. 

Step 1: Clear Patio Furniture

First, remove all furniture and accessories from the patio, including chairs, planters, rugs, and other décor. This will help you pinpoint any areas where moss could be hiding and tackle everything at once. However, if you need to, you can work in sections. 

Step 2: Remove All Loose Debris

Next, remove any and all organic debris, including leaves and dirt, says James King, a hardscaping expert at RTA Outdoor Living. This makes it easier to see where moss has taken hold while preventing dirt from getting in the way as you scrub. 

Step 3: Scrub the Moss

The best way to get rid of moss on hard surfaces is with a stiff brush, broom, or scraper that’s specifically designed for moss removal, King says. This will quickly lift moss without damaging the patio material. You can find one online and at hardware and home improvement stores. 

Work in small sections using firm pressure, paying extra attention to cracks, joints, and textured surfaces where moss tends to take hold. “Once the surface is clean, rinse thoroughly and inspect the joints or paving for any damage that may need repairing,” King says. 

Step 4: Address the Moisture Problem

With a clean surface, you can better identify the cause of your moss woes. “One of the biggest misconceptions is that moss itself is the problem. In most cases, though, it’s a sign that a patio is staying damp longer than it should,” King says.

“The final and most important step is addressing whatever allowed the moss to grow in the first place,” he says, “whether that’s improving drainage, trimming back overhanging plants to increase sunlight and airflow, or reducing areas where water collects.” 

Prevention Methods

Getting rid of moss is one thing, but keeping it from coming back is another. Follow these prevention tips to keep your patio clear. 

• Know the Signs: It may seem like moss magically appears overnight, but there are some early signs to look for. “Small green patches along joints, damp areas that never seem to dry, or surfaces becoming slightly slippery are all indicators that moss is beginning to establish itself,” King says. 
• Be Mindful of Water Traps: Moss thrives in damp conditions, so make sure to address any areas of pooling water or consistent moisture. For example, “You may have a sprinkler hitting the patio or water that isn’t draining away properly,” says landscaping designer Brandon McCormick.
• Improve Sunlight and Airflow: Moss also grows in shady spots, so increasing sunshine can help, Grasman says. “See whether nearby plants need to be thinned or trimmed to let in more sun and airflow,” she says. 
• Keep Organic Debris Away: The easiest way to keep moss from returning is through regular maintenance, King says. Take care to sweep away leaves and trim plant overgrowth.
• Use a Moss Treatment: To curb moss growth, apply a professional moss treatment to your patio. Follow the on-label instructions and reapply as needed.

Read the original article on Martha Stewart