Moss is a constant companion of all house and garden owners, which can develop into a nuisance. On the lawn, the weeds crowd out the desired grass plants and spread there like a plague. If nothing is done about it, the moss will also grow rampant on the roof, the pavement of the garden paths and in facade joints. If you don't want to resort to harmful chemicals, you can also successfully use a natural household remedy to remove moss.
moss
Avoid moss growth
Above all, moss needs moist and rather cool conditions to grow. The weeds usually form in the garden on areas that are not sufficiently illuminated by the sun. But also lawns and beds in which the ground too wet will be affected. In this case, the constant drainage of the water must be guaranteed. If lawn areas are extremely interspersed with moss, this can also be an indication that the mowing was far too short. In addition, attention must be paid to the right lawn mixture, in which the moss covering has less chance of developing in an overflowing manner.
- Build raised beds to ensure water drainage
- drain affected areas
- mow shady lawns no shorter than 4-5 cm
- fall back on special lawn mixtures for shady places
moss covering
distance
1. Mechanical removal
Mossy joints in the garden paths and on house facades are a common problem, especially in shady places. The proliferating green not only looks unsightly, but can also be permanent damage to lead. Over time, the facade joints become leaky, and moisture then moves into the walls. In the early stages, mechanical removal is a good solution, but it involves physical work. It is important to proceed carefully so that the stones and paving slabs are not damaged. Nevertheless, the tools used must be able to completely remove the moss layer from the surfaces.
- soft wire brushes are ideal for sidewalk slabs and pavers
- alternatively use joint scrapers
- perfect as a moss remover for deep and wide joints
- also suitable for stone edges
- both tools are available in different versions
- adapt to the different sizes of the surfaces
Sidewalk paving stones without moss growth
home remedies
2. Saltwater
A natural home remedy for removing moss from the affected areas without chemicals is salt water. That dissolved in water salt removes the moisture from the weeds, which it needs as a basis for life. This moss remover is very inexpensive and easy to make yourself.
- suitable for areas exposed to the sun
- Use 5% saline solution
- sprinkle affected areas with it
- Wait for 2-3 days of sun exposure
- then remove with scrubbing brushes or scrubbers
3. Cola
Surprisingly, cola helps against stubborn moss on certain parts of the sidewalks, in the facade and on the terrace. However, this drink as a moss remover is only for manageable surfaces and smaller joints. If the stone areas are larger, the investment in removing them is too large. Also, the brown showerhead would clog the area. The weeds would then be removed, but the treated area is then almost impassable. In addition, thanks to its sweet properties, cola attracts annoying ants and other unwanted insects. Since the home remedy is not toxic, no special precautions are required when using it.
- Phosphoric acid in the shower decomposes the moss
- this ingredient even prevents repeated expulsion
- ideal against very fine moss infestation in hard-to-reach areas
- Use cola undiluted
- leaves no stains on the stones
- then scrape the dead moss out of the joints
- rinse off any residue to finish
cola liquid
4. Laundry soda
Another natural home remedy for removing moss is washing soda. that contained in it sodium carbonate Helps to remove unwanted weeds in the long term. If a very thick layer of moss has already formed on the affected area, then this must first be removed. Otherwise the soda mixture cannot develop its full effect as a moss remover.
- Roughly scrape off the moss covering with a spatula beforehand
- Make a mix of 20 g washing soda and 10 l boiling hot water
- spray affected area sufficiently
- then leave it on for a few days
- then brush off all residues with a grout brush or scrubber
5. Vinegar
Vinegar is also an effective moss remover. However, no high-proof should vinegar essence used for removal. This is too strong and disturbs the natural balance in the garden. In addition, this can also harm the animal garden dwellers. If there are other residues after the treatment, then the application with the home remedy should be repeated until there is no longer a green film on the stone surfaces.
- only use softer fruit or wine vinegars
- Use home remedies either undiluted or as a mixture with water
- Spray moss-covered paved areas generously with it
- give the home remedy a few days to take effect
- then scrub off the dead moss
Vinegar to remove moss
6. Sand
Moss prefers loamy and always moist soil. Therefore, this can be removed with the help of sand. This home remedy robs the moss of the long-term livelihood and the weeds gradually disappear. However, this moss remover needs time for a clearly visible success, so the garden owner has to be patient in this case.
- after the first mowing in spring
- Apply a layer of construction sand to the affected lawns
- Grass tips should only stick out about 1 cm
- Carry out the process for 3 years in a row
7. Pressure washer
A high-pressure cleaner is a quick remedy for stubborn moss infestation. However, the effect of this environmentally friendly moss remover usually does not last long and the moss returns again. Furthermore, it should be noted that sometimes the joint covering is damaged by the strong water jet washed away with it. These joints would then have to be filled again.
- simply spray away the moss layer with the water jet
- scrape off extremely thick moss beforehand
- is suitable for cleaning after treatment with the previously mentioned home remedies
high pressure cleaner
8. Liming
If the soil is too acidic, this can be a cause of moss infestation in the lawn. In this case there is one soil analysis the indicative disclosure. If the pH is too low then the soil is too acidic and provides optimal conditions for weeds. In this case, lime is a helpful moss remover to balance the pH.
- ideal soil pH is between 5-7
- Lime moderately at lower values
- use about 150 g per square meter in sandy soils
- 100 g is enough for loamy soils
Spread garden lime against moss growth
9. Scarify
Scarifying also helps if the lawn is already heavily infested with moss. Otherwise, the moss infestation will completely displace the grass plants in the long run and will continue to spread if nothing is done.
- Scarifying loosens the turf
- this means that the lawn is better supplied with oxygen
- Grass plants grow stronger and don't give the moss layer a chance
- Professional scarifiers can be hired from the well-stocked garden centre