Tarmac driveways are excellent for improving your home’s aesthetic appeal. However, at some point, you may encounter some algae and moss build-up on your tarmac, making it very unpleasant-looking.
In this article, we will discuss some of the most effective ways to get rid of moss on your tarmac.
The article will cover chemical and natural solutions, and it’s up to you to choose which is best for you.
It’s important to note that you should use these methods cautiously to avoid damaging your tarmac drive.
We’ll analyze 8 efficient methods of killing moss on the tarmac as well as their application, safety, and precautions.
Additionally, we’ve added a segment on how to solve most problems on decks and roofs; we don’t want to leave anything at the chance!
Let’s get right on.
How To Eliminate Moss On Tarmac
You can eliminate moss on the tarmac in numerous ways, and you’ll only have to choose one that’s preferable to you.
This article highlights chemical and organic/natural solutions.
Before removing the moss, however, you’ll have to prepare your tarmac first.
How to Prepare the Tarmac
Preparing the tarmac is a crucial step when it comes to killing moss; it’s almost as vital as removing the moss itself.
To prepare the tarmac, take a push broom and remove small and loose areas of moss, dirt, and other junk growing on your tarmac driveway.
Also, you’ll have to kill weeds growing in the crevices of your tarmac driveway before removing the moss. Moss killers are ineffective against weeds, so you’ll have to use a weed killer to eliminate them.
Conversely, weed killers aren’t effective against moss either, so you’ll need both.
Lastly, you should ensure your driveway is exposed to direct sunlight. Therefore, anything that inhibits this, such as tree branches or sunshades, should be removed. Moss is susceptible to sunlight, and removing shade on your driveway will be a huge step in your moss-killing endeavor.
Three Chemical Methods For Killing Moss
Chemical solutions are regarded as controversial, so we decided to start with them first.
As much as there are drawbacks to these methods, biocides, and pesticides are some of the best solutions to your landscaping problems.
You need only exercise some degree of caution since these methods can destroy adjacent vegetation.
In this section, we’ll look at how to kill moss on your tarmac driveway using bleach, biocides, and washing powder.
Note: Iron sulfates can also be used to kill moss on the tarmac and are very effective. However, they’ll stain your tarmac driveway, so we didn’t see the need to include them on the list.
1. Bleach
Bleach is a very cost-effective method you can use to remove moss. The procedure is relatively simple, and a normal bleach-based bathroom cleaner will be enough. Also, bleach works great on all hard surfaces.
Follow these steps to remove moss using bleach.
Step 1: Make a bleach solution by dissolving 20.29 fluid ounces (600 ml) in 6 gallons (23 L) of water. I recommend Clorox and Domestos but feel free to use any bleach-based cleaner you can find.
Step 2: Look for an apparatus to disperse the bleach solution easily. A garden sprayer works best for us since it covers large spaces. However, if there’s none at your disposal, you can use a spray bottle or a backpack sprayer.
However, spreading the bleach solution using a spray bottle will be difficult. Still, you’ll limit damage to surrounding plants since you’ll have more control.
Step 3: Spray the moss thoroughly using the bleach solution and ensure every part of your tarmac is covered.
Step 4: It will take some time before the bleach solution kills the moss. Therefore, leave the solution to soak for about 15 minutes before rinsing.
Step 5: After the 15 minutes have elapsed, rinse away all the bleach traces using a hosepipe. It would be advisable to use lukewarm water when rinsing.
Rinsing is a very crucial step when removing moss. If any traces of bleach are left too long on the tarmac, they can kill nearby flora and damage your tarmac driveway.
Step 6: Let your tarmac drive dry for a couple of hours. You should begin noticing some color change after some time. The moss will turn yellow when it dies and should be removed immediately.
Step 7: Finally, remove the moss’s remains using a stiff brush.
The steps mentioned above are very crucial for this method to be effective. You should adhere to all the precautions discussed to avoid further damage to your tarmac.
Besides that, the method is quite time-saving since you need only wait for 15 minutes before you start clearing moss on your tarmac drive.
2. Biocides
The use of chemicals always comes with the potential risk of causing long-term damage. When you use them carefully, however, biocides are some of the most effective solutions for killing moss.
In this section, we’ll discuss some of the best biocides we have used in the fight against moss.
Jeyes Fluid
Jeyes fluid is an easy-to-use disinfectant that eliminates mildew and moss effectively. However, repeating the treatment for the best results after a month would be best.
Here are the steps to follow.
Step 1: First, dilute the Jeyes fluid to avoid damaging or staining your driveway. We normally require to dilute 16.9 fluid ounces (half a liter) of Jeyes fluid in 5.2 gallons (20 L) of water to soak a whole area.
If you don’t require that much, however, the general guideline is to dilute 4.2 fluid ounces (125 ml) of Jeyes fluid in 1.3 gallons (5 L) of water and continue from there.
Also, you should test a small section of your tarmac before spraying the entire area. Once you notice the tested area has softened, dilute 2 fluid ounces (60 ml) of Jeyes fluid in 1.3 gallons (5 L) of water instead.
Step 2: Disperse the solution on the affected area using a garden sprayer. You can use a watering can if the area to be covered is small.
Ensure the entire tarmac surface is covered with the solution, and all the moss is soaked.
Step 3: Let the solution sit and soak for about 15 minutes to kill all the moss.
Step 4: Rinse the tarmac thoroughly after all the moss is dead, and remove it using a stiff broom.
Even though Jeyes fluid is an efficient moss killer, it can also damage your tarmac, so you’ll have to be very careful when using it.
If you follow the instructions, however, there should be no need for concern.
Additionally, depending on the size of your driveway, the whole process can be completed within 45 minutes or less, making the method very time efficient.
Baticlean CR
Baticlean is our go-to biocide when it comes to killing moss. You can combine it with other moss removers to increase its efficiency, and its use is pretty straightforward.
Before spreading the Baticlean on the affected section, remove as much moss as possible using a stiff broom.
Spray the Baticlean CR on the tarmac after brushing and wait for it to go to work. The good news about this method is that you won’t need to rinse it afterward.
As a matter of fact, you shouldn’t rinse Baticlean CR since it kills moss spores and prevents regrowth.
However, it’s important to note that Baticlean CR should be sprayed on dry surfaces and on a dry day. Don’t use this method on a rainy day!
The reason is that water inhibits Baticlean’s ability to kill algae or moss. The biocide takes 2-3 days to eliminate moss on your tarmac.
Remember to dilute the Baticlean CR with water in a ratio of 1:4 since it’s a potent biocide.
3. Washing Powder
Washing powder is another common household item you can use to effectively eliminate moss.
You don’t need to spend extra money using this method, making it very cost-effective. Additionally, washing powder doesn’t cause lasting damage to plants and lawns and won’t damage your tarmac; it’s a very safe method!
You need only spread the washing powder on the affected areas and wait for the magic to happen. Rinsing isn’t that essential either; you can use it on a week when rainfall is certain and let the rain do the work for you.
Washing powder kills moss in 3-4 days, however, so you’ll have to be patient before you get your results.
Also, you can spray a solution of washing powder and water over the affected area and leave it to soak for a while. When the moss turns yellow, you can use warm water to rinse your tarmac.
Lastly, remove the dead moss using a push brush and enjoy your moss-free tarmac!
Five Natural Methods For Killing Moss
Even though chemical solutions for removing moss are effective, many homeowners fear that they may damage their lawns and plants.
For that reason, we have prepared a list of 5 natural ways to eliminate moss.
1. Pressure Wash
This is a fairly simple solution for removing algae and moss. All you need is a pressure washer, and the hosepipe pressure will take care of the rest.
This method removes the roots of algae and moss, thus preventing further regrowth in the future.
Nonetheless, it would be best if you still brushed the remains of the uprooted moss for a good-looking driveway.
Pressure wash is an efficient and time-saving solution for moss, but be careful not to damage your driveway.
2. Boiling Water
Boiling water is an eco-friendly solution for dealing with moss on the tarmac, and it’s very effective.
Eliminating moss using boiling water might take some time, particularly if your tarmac drive is long, and you must be cautious not to burn yourself.
If you can bypass these issues, however, you won’t regret your decision. You need only pour the boiling water over the moss, killing it.
Brush the moss remnants afterward, and you’ll have a pristine driveway. Besides consuming a bit of time, this is a safe and effective method to kill moss.
3. Sun Exposure
Moist and shaded driveways encourage the growth of moss. Therefore, you should eliminate all obstacles that block the sun to allow direct sunlight to pass through and dry the moss.
Once you remove the sun blockers, you just have to sit and wait as the sun does its work. The only thing you’ll do is remove the dry and dead moss using a stiff brush.
On top of being cost-effective and time-saving, this method will also not damage your driveway.
4. Baking Soda
Baking soda is a common household ingredient. It has numerous uses, and one of them is cleaning tarmac.
Baking soda also kills other microorganisms found on the tarmac surface, making it safer to walk on it. Additionally, it won’t damage your tarmac driveway.
In this section, we’ll discuss two ways to use baking soda to eliminate moss.
Baking Soda Powder
First, you’ll have to dampen the affected areas. Spread your dry baking soda over the affected sections; ensure all the moss is covered.
Baking soda powder is a time-saving and easy solution for killing moss since it doesn’t involve many preparations. Furthermore, it doesn’t stain tarmac and is safe to use!
Allow the baking soda to absorb moisture after you’ve spread it; eventually, it’ll dry out the moss. You might have to be patient to notice the results, but we promise it will work!
Once the moss has changed from green to brown or yellow, wash it away using a pressure washer or brush it with a stiff brush.
Baking Soda Paste
Making baking soda paste is a fairly easy process. Simply mix your baking soda with water until you get a thick mixture. The paste will dry out the moss since it’s mildly alkaline.
Spread the baking soda paste over the moss-affected area, and allow it to sit for two to four days. Afterward, wash it away using a hose or a pressure washer.
Even though this method might take some time before you notice any results, it’s quite efficient.
Additionally, the paste won’t damage your tarmac and is very safe to use. Nonetheless, avoid using a lot of baking soda since it stains the tarmac. Ensure you rinse your tarmac thoroughly to remove all the baking soda.
5. Vinegar
Here is another DIY solution for killing moss using a common household item; there are so many!
You need only dilute the vinegar in water using a ratio of 1:1 and soak the moss-affected areas; that’s it!
Allow the solution to soak for 15-20 minutes before removing the dead moss with a stiff brush. Repeat this procedure for a week for the best results. Rinse your tarmac thoroughly using plenty of water, and you’ll be proud of your new outdoor look.
This method won’t cause any lasting damage to your tarmac, and it’s a natural way of eliminating moss. However, it’s time-consuming.
Why Does Moss Grow On Tarmac Driveways
Tarmac driveways are an excellent way of upgrading your front yard beauty and are pleasing to the eye.
However, nothing is more irritating than seeing those unsightly moss on your driveway as you relax on your porch.
You might think the moss is haunting you, vowing to taint your driveway for years, but we’re here to tell you there’s actually a good reason for moss growth on the tarmac.
The texture and structure of tarmac is a big contributor to moss growth. Tarmac retains moisture and is rough. This makes it an ideal mold, lichen, and moss breeding ground.
The tarmac’s rough structure also enables the spores to hide, which promotes moss regrowth after you’ve removed it.
If you haven’t noticed yet, the place where you park your car on your driveway will more likely have moss growth than the rest of the driveway. Do you know why? That’s right! Lack of sunlight.
Without direct sunlight on your driveway, the moss won’t dry out and will taint your driveway.
Best Time To Kill Moss
The ideal time to eliminate moss on the tarmac is when it’s actively growing during its growing season.
This period normally includes early spring, warm winters, and fall. During these periods, there isn’t enough sunlight to dry out the moss, and rainfall is usually abundant.
Three Ways To Prevent Moss Regrowth
We’ve covered the most effective methods to kill moss on the tarmac. But you know what’s better? Preventing it from growing back!
That’s right. It’s very much possible!
This section discusses three effective methods of preventing moss from regrowing on your tarmac drive. Combine the three methods for optimal results.
Let’s have a look!
1. Use Moss Killers
Moss killers like Baticlean CR are excellent in destroying spores and inhibiting moss regrowth.
Apply moss killers to your tarmac surface even when you don’t see any moss. There might be some spores hiding in the crevices, and you can’t see them with your naked eye.
For optimal results, use biocides that prevent moss regrowth yearly. It’ll save you a lot of time and effort.
2. Exposure to Direct Sunlight
Moss can’t tolerate direct sunlight. Therefore, ensure your driveway is always exposed to direct sunlight to dry out any growing moss.
Ensure you remove all sun blockers, such as shrubs and trees. Obviously, we aren’t telling you to cut down your trees, but you should plant or move them to an ideal place where their shade won’t reach the tarmac driveway.
3. Brush the Tarmac Driveway
Lastly, you can use a stiff brush to sweep your tarmac driveway often and eliminate moss in its early stages.
This method saves you the headache of having to deal with mature moss. Nevertheless, it doesn’t prevent moss regrowth.
Can Moss Harm Tarmac
On top of being a hideous problem for your landscape, moss can also damage your tarmac significantly.
The moss roots get bigger as it grows and cause damage and cracking to the tarmac’s seal coat. This leaves you with a completely worn-out driveway.
Additionally, these crevices harbor water, making your tarmac surface more favorable for moss growth.
Moss can also cause bodily harm to you. Surfaces covered with moss are usually slippery; you might fall and hurt yourself.
As such, ensure you remove moss to avoid such accidents.
Removing Moss From Roofs And Decks
Moss doesn’t attack your tarmac driveway only; it can tarnish your house’s deck and roof, making them look abandoned and aged.
How to Remove Moss From Roofs
There are two ways you can eliminate moss from your roof. You can use a hose to spray water and a soft-bristle broom to remove the moss or use moss killers.
You’ll have to be careful to avoid damaging the roofing tiles and work in small sections.
Additionally, avoid using a pressure washer since its water pressure can damage the roofing tiles.
How to Remove Moss from Decks
There are numerous methods you can employ to eliminate moss from your deck.
We recommend using a vinegar solution as our first choice. It would be best to dilute it before applying it to your wooden deck. For best results, use a ratio of 1:16.
Another way of removing moss on decks is moss killers and biocides. We never shy away from these chemical solutions, but remember to exercise caution to avoid damaging surrounding plants.
Lastly, if you want a more eco-friendly option, you can opt for a pressure washer and have a clean deck in no time.
Final Remarks
We have highlighted numerous ways to kill moss on the tarmac, and it’s up to you to pick one based on your preference.
Nonetheless, it wouldn’t hurt to experiment with all the methods for optimal results.
In this article, we’ve discussed chemical and natural solutions for removing moss on your tarmac driveway.
It’s important to note that chemicals used in removing moss can cause damage to nearby plants and the tarmac as well, so you’ll have to be very careful.
All the methods we’ve discussed are effective and will eliminate moss. Still, the best solution is preventing moss growth in the first place. Ensure you use moss killers often, at least yearly, and provide your driveway with direct sunlight.
Lastly, we discussed how to eliminate moss on decks and roofs; we’ve all struggled with this issue at some point in our lives! We’ve listed tips on how to go about this and hope they will help you.
Good luck. Until we meet again!
