How to remove moss from tarmac: A step-by-step guide

Tarmac is a great material for driveways. It’s strong, provides skid resistance and it can handle all weather conditions, from red-hot summers to wintery hail storms.

Despite this, there is something that always manages to overcome tarmac, and that’s moss. Without a little help from you, moss can completely take over your tarmac driveway, making it a slippery eye sore.

In this article, we offer a step-by-step guide on how to deal with your moss problem, covering a few different approaches, and tips on how to prevent moss accumulation in the future.

How to remove moss from tarmac

Here are a few different approaches to removing moss from tarmac, including how to do it manually and using a moss killer for tarmac:

Sweeping

Sometimes a good stiff brush is all you need to get rid of the moss on your tarmac. Use the stiff-bristled brush to dislodge and sweep away the moss.

Regular sweeping can help you stay on top of the issue, but it might not be sufficient for thick, stubborn patches of moss. This technique is also more effective when the moss is dry, as dry moss is easier to dislodge.

Scraping

For tougher patches, you might need to enlist the help of a trusty shovel. This method works best when the moss isn’t too spread out.

Take your shovel, or a similar, flat-edged scraper, and get under the moss and scrape it away from the tarmac, being careful not to dig too deep and damage the surface.

This job is also easier when the moss is dry.

Pressure washing

If you own a pressure washer, these are excellent tools for blasting away moss – and it can also be pretty fun.

Simply fill up your pressure washer, aim the nozzle at the moss and let her rip. Be sure to keep the nozzle moving to avoid damaging the tarmac.

Besides removing moss, this method can remove other types of stains and debris. Check the manufacturer’s directions before using the pressure washer, and start on a lower pressure setting and work your way up as needed.

Moss killer

You can buy an effective moss killer from various home improvement retailers, like B&Q. These normally come in a spray bottle so you can apply the chemical easily.

Wearing a pair of safety gloves and some eye protection, apply the moss killer to the affected areas, following the manufacturer’s instructions on how much to use.

Allow it to sit for the specified duration, then scrub the moss away using a stiff brush. Finally, rinse the area thoroughly by pouring one or two buckets of water on the driveway.

Household solutions

You can make an effective moss killer at home with some common household items, like water and bleach, water and washing up liquid or vinegar.

These likely won’t be as effective as a specialised moss-killing product like those mentioned above, but it’s worth a try if you have these ingredients handy.

Follow the same instructions as before, applying the solution to the affected areas and brushing the debris away. Note that with white vinegar, you might need to leave it overnight, as it works slower than other, harsher chemicals.

Combine methods

Depending on your situation and the severity of the moss growth, you may need to combine these methods.

Chemical treatment followed by pressure washing is a great way to loosen the moss and clear it away, and you can also conveniently rinse away the chemicals with the washer.

Likewise, scraping and brushing is an effective combination. Decide what’s best for your situation based on your individual needs, remembering that dry moss is easier to remove than damp moss.

How to prevent moss growth on tarmac

If you live in an area that gets a lot of wet weather – which is pretty much the whole of the UK, unfortunately – defending your tarmac from moss is an uphill battle.

Moss thrives in damp conditions, so one long-term solution is investing in better drainage and removing shade-casting objects from around your driveway.

If puddles are always forming on the tarmac, consider altering the slope of the driveway to redirect the water. You could also potentially install a drain.

You could also use moss preventers or a sealant to make it more difficult for the moss to develop. Regularly inspect your tarmac so you can catch and remove moss in the earliest stages of development.

For help getting rid of your moss problem, enter your postcode into the search box below and connect with a specialist moss remover near you.