Unwanted moss

[Blackbird]

Help needed! How do I remove moss from textured paving slabs without killing precious tiny plants growing between them? I scrape and then scrub with a stiff brush but some always remains. The heavy rainfall this last year has made it much worse than previous yesrs.

 

[Oliver Buckle]

Welcome to the forum
TBH I can't think of a way other than you are doing, but it might help to use a deck scrubber. I found I quickly wore the bristles out on mine, but the wooden head is held on with four screws and I replaced it with an actual scrubbing brush, which was a lot cheaper and had the advantage of a pointed end. I use bleach on mine and wash it off onto the lawn, which doesn't seem to mind, but it must be fairly dilute by then. I look forward to seeing if someone comes up with something better, there is a wealth of knowledge out there in this community.

 

[oneeye]

Hello and welcome friend. Try using mixture of vingar and water with a drop of dish soap with a brush. Try one small area and if the moss dies quickly then mix a whole bucket.

 

[oneeye]

The above is the gentle and this is the stronger version. What I did prevent moss was use muriatic acid dulituded with water. Its the same as you use for swimming pools and its cheap. I used a it to clean moss off building tiles on the north side at a Buddhist monastery years ago. It just takes a little mixed with some water. You have to be careful mixing it and make sure you have the right dilution. One part acid to ten parts water and use gloves. I used a bucket but you can use a hand sprayer. When I got this mix on my hands it tingled but didn't burn me, however I would still wear gloves and use safety glasses.

 

[Blackbird]

Welcome to the forum
TBH I can't think of a way other than you are doing, but it might help to use a deck scrubber. I found I quickly wore the bristles out on mine, but the wooden head is held on with four screws and I replaced it with an actual scrubbing brush, which was a lot cheaper and had the advantage of a pointed end. I use bleach on mine and wash it off onto the lawn, which doesn't seem to mind, but it must be fairly dilute by then. I look forward to seeing if someone comes up with something better, there is a wealth of knowledge out there in this community.

Thank you, but I will wait to see if any other ideas.

 

[Meadowlark]

Prevention measures can really help. Regularly brush the slabs with a good stiff broom to remove dirt and/or debris and starting young moss. This can help tremendously if it is done consistently.

Another prevention measure, if you can add sunlight by trimming overhead branches that can help significantly. Any drainage improvements to remove moisture helps.

A pressure washer will blast away moss and dirt and can be used without chemicals but must be used cautiously to protect valued tiny plants.

Vinegar and water as recommended by @oneeye is effective.