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Moss problem

peweukpeweuk Posts: 34
in Problem solving
We have a large tarmac drive/hardstanding area (approx 70sq m) and a block paving drive leading up to it (approx 45sq m) both of which are infected with moss which has appeared over the recent wet weeks.
What is the most cost-effective way of dealing with this? 
Someone suggested Resolva moss killer, but at £2 per sq m that is quite expensive (£250 by my calculation).

Note: using a power wash is not an option unfortunately due to the age and condition of the tarmac.

Posts

  • PalustrisPalustris Posts: 4,307
    We have about the same area and we have used this stuff.
    Moss-Go Trade strength. £23 on Amazon.


  • bédébédé Posts: 3,095
    edited October 2022
    I have several excellent answers, but the eco warriers are already hounding me.
     location: Surrey Hills, England, ex-woodland acidic sand.
    "Have nothing in your garden that you don't know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful."
  • peweukpeweuk Posts: 34
    Palustris said:
    We have about the same area and we have used this stuff.
    Moss-Go Trade strength. £23 on Amazon.


    I guess this is the product - https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B09M7QR3C9/ref=ask_ql_qh_dp_hza

    What size did you buy - did you dilute it.
    It is confusing because the label on the container in the listing reads 5L, but the description says 1 ltr, then an answered question says it is because they supply 1 Ltr but you dilute it at 1:5, but that gives 6ltr. 
  • PalustrisPalustris Posts: 4,307
    The container was a 5 litre one I am sure. It was a fair while back I cannot be sure, but it did work for as long as any of the moss killers work.
  • peweukpeweuk Posts: 34
    Palustris said:
    The container was a 5 litre one I am sure. It was a fair while back I cannot be sure, but it did work for as long as any of the moss killers work.
    Thanks. I have written to the seller for clarification.
  • rossdriscoll13rossdriscoll13 Posts: 234
    Patio Magic or Wet & Forget.  Both of which you spray on, using a pump sprayer, on a dry day and then you just leave it. 
  • ErgatesErgates Posts: 2,953
    I’ve found that a wire brush on a long handle is very effective. Not a quick solution and a fair bit of elbow grease needed, but definitely works, unlike a lot of the expensive chemical solutions we have tried over the years.
  • bédébédé Posts: 3,095
    edited November 2022
    peweuk said:
    We have a large tarmac drive/hardstanding area (approx 70sq m) and a block paving drive leading up to it (approx 45sq m) both of which are infected with moss which has appeared over the recent wet weeks.
    What is the most cost-effective way of dealing with this? 
    Someone suggested Resolva moss killer, but at £2 per sq m that is quite expensive (£250 by my calculation).

    Note: using a power wash is not an option unfortunately due to the age and condition of the tarmac.
    Sorry for the delay.  

    Sulphate of iron (ferrous sulphate, easily obtained in garden centres):  6 tablespoon dissolved in 1.5 gallon watering can.  Apply enough to just cover the area.  In lawns it quickly blackens the moss, but doesn't adversely affect the grass.  In fact it greens it up a bit.

    My solution is for moss in lawns.  But kills moss anywhere.  

    The ferrous sulphate will leave a rust-like stain on pale surfaces like concrete, paving and chippings, and fingers.  You may like this.  It may not show on tarmac, but best to test a small sample area first.

     location: Surrey Hills, England, ex-woodland acidic sand.
    "Have nothing in your garden that you don't know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful."
  • rossdriscoll13rossdriscoll13 Posts: 234
    Sulphate of iron will stain the tarmac.  Never use it on hard surfaces.
  • fidgetbonesfidgetbones Posts: 17,618
    Our resin bonded gravel has a load of moss on it.its in shade and gets a lot of leaf fall on it.  I was loathe to use  a pressure washer on it.  I bought the 3l Resolva moss killer from Amazon. It has absolutely no effect. I have spent two days using the Karcher with the patio end on it.  It has left some bits in the gravel, I intend spraying that.  Looking online, the moss killers appear to be either pelargonic acid (resolva), acetic acid (vinegar), or non ionic surfactants (washing up liquid).  I won't use ferrous sulphate as it stains.  Has anyone used either vinegar or washing up liquid?
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