Tarmac Driveway full of moss/weeds - hot to fix?

demello · 07-03-2019 10:20am #1

I have a driveway - tarmac, but full of moss, lots of grass and weeds. It is a holiday home so doesnt get a lot of traffic. What is the cheapest solution to this? I had considered - spraying to kill weeds and scrape them off as best I can, or buy a load of gravel and put over the tarmac.
See picture (if I managed to upload it properly).
Thanks in advance
DM

_Brian · 07-03-2019 10:23am

Give it a generous sprinkling of washing detergent, something cheap and cheery.

Leave until Moss all dead

Powerwash it all away.

You’ll be surprised by the volume of rubbish coming off it. Have a wheelbarrow and shovel at hand and keep on front of washer clear.

Some deep rooted grass or weeds may need pulling by hand.

steinbock123 · 07-03-2019 10:26am

First off, DON'T put gravel over it. That'll be a short term solution and it'll be no time before the weeds start coming up through it. I would give it a comprehensive power wash (with a good powerful machine) , and maybe spray weedkiller (Roundup or similar ??) on it afterwards when it's dry.
Repeat when necessary.

Bixy · 07-03-2019 3:59pm

Roundup is not very effective on Moss.
I have good success with washing detergent and continue to use it (you never really get rid of moss). However I was told that washing detergent can damage tarmac. As my drive was rough to begin with I am not sure how much I can blame the detergent!

macraignil · 07-03-2019 4:32pm

demello wrote: »

I have a driveway - tarmac, but full of moss, lots of grass and weeds. It is a holiday home so doesnt get a lot of traffic. What is the cheapest solution to this? I had considered - spraying to kill weeds and scrape them off as best I can, or buy a load of gravel and put over the tarmac.
See picture (if I managed to upload it properly).
Thanks in advance
DM

Accepting the moss is not doing you any harm would be the cheapest option. When we get some dry weather it will die off a bit then any way and sometimes it can be manually scraped off tarmac when it has dried out a bit. My parents' house has a tarmac drive and occasionally I scrape off some of the moss and remove the weeds manually with the help of a trowel to scratch at the moss and to help lever up the roots of the weeds without digging into the tarmac and damaging it too much. I then can sweep up the moss and weeds and use a shovel to scoop them off the drive. A flame weed burner can be used to kill weeds in this situation as well. You don't need to incinerate the weeds but a quick flame to simply boil their tissues is an effective weed control method.

I'd be afraid any chemicals that would be applied to your driveway would be washed into the pond or whatever water way is across from your front gate and cause damage to the wildlife there but not sure if I am seeing the slope correctly in the photograph. Power washing can I have read be damaging to driveways and expect whatever is beyond what you are spraying to get battered with small stones dislodged from the tarmac.

blackbox · 10-03-2019 7:24pm

You will find various chemicals that will kill the moss. Ferrous sulphate (sulfate of iron) is probably the cheapest and safest, but it can leave rusty stains. Other chemicals like detergents and glycols are less environmentally friendly.

Unfortunately, when the moss is dead it still has to be removed. If the tarmac is very smooth you may be able to scrape it up with a shovel, but most likely you will need to sweep it with a stiff nylon brush or use a power washer.

When you do eventually get it clear, make a point of driving near the edges as well as down the centre because wear and tear is the best thing to keep moss at bay.

Odelay · 10-03-2019 7:29pm

20kg bag of salt from a builders suppliers for €10. Shake it out and if will kill all Moss an weeds. Then scrape with a flat shovel and brush.
Apply the salt once a year to keep it clear.
Use fine salt, not deicing or water softener salt. It should be like table salt.
It causes no harm that I’m aware of.

NSAman · 10-03-2019 7:32pm

First of all wash off the dead moss as many have said. Power wash with soap works wonders. There is a blacktop product that you can get done professionally it’s cheap here in the States, it bonds all loose clippings and blackens the tarmac.

I get this done every two years costs me about 500 dollars my driveway is about 700 feet long.

You have to let it cure, which takes about two days. No driving on it in other words.

jake is right · 10-03-2019 7:37pm

^^^^^^Other chemicals like detergents and glycols are less environmentally friendly.

^^^^Dishwasher, Washing machine, or washing-up liquid ???

Defunkd · 10-03-2019 10:07pm

That's bad!
Scrape off excess, then spray with jeyes fluid. It'll turn brown in 2 days. You can leave it disintegrate or go at it with a yard brush or powerwasher.

jaffa20 · 14-03-2019 10:05pm

Has anyone used sodium percarbonate as an environmentally friendly option to clean a concrete patio? Want to avoid anything that will harm wildlife or nearby plants. I guess powerwasher might be better.

DK32 · 27-03-2019 1:27pm

I use Formil non-bio washing powder from Lidl, diluted with warm water and put it a weed sprayer. Give all the moss a good soak, within a few days it will all turn brown, you can then brush it off with a stiff yard brush, works very well on weeds also.

This literally works on everything, we use it on brickwork, cobble lock paving, wood etc..

Supertoucher · 27-03-2019 2:59pm

DK32 wrote: »

I use Formil non-bio washing powder from Lidl, diluted with warm water and put it a weed sprayer. Give all the moss a good soak, within a few days it will all turn brown, you can then brush it off with a stiff yard brush, works very well on weeds also.
This literally works on everything, we use it on brickwork, cobble lock paving, wood etc..

How much do you dilute it by may i ask?

DK32 · 29-03-2019 12:45pm

Supertoucher wrote: »

[/CENTER]

How much do you dilute it by may i ask?

I just put in a couple of large scoops of powder in the sprayer and then filled the sprayer up 1/2 full with hot tap water, agitated the sprayer bottle to mix the powder and water together and then topped up the bottle to the top level with hot tap water.

Then you just head out and spray. I was still left with a big lump of powder in the bottom of the bottle afterwards which just washes out but it was sufficiently strong to make all the moss and weeds and green slime on brickwork to turn brown in a couple of days. It also rained between the time I sprayed and the time I went to brush it all off.

steinbock123 · 29-03-2019 2:03pm

Would that Formil stuff work if I sprayed it on a very badly mossed lawn, or would it kill the grass as well ?

DK32 · 01-04-2019 9:42am

steinbock123 wrote: »

Would that Formil stuff work if I sprayed it on a very badly mossed lawn, or would it kill the grass as well ?

I wouldn't personally try it. I would go for a proper moss killer product, some kind of feed and weed product perhaps.

fme · 10-04-2019 12:41pm

I've used the washing powder before and it definitely works, even if it looks like its snowed for a few days. I've also used vinegar for the moss and for general weeding. Bought in bulk on amazon like here it works out quite cheap:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Golden-Swan-White-Vinegar-Litre/dp/B00TZT6GQE/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=vinegar&qid=1554896292&s=gateway&sr=8-5

NIMAN · 10-04-2019 12:42pm

steinbock123 wrote: »

Would that Formil stuff work if I sprayed it on a very badly mossed lawn, or would it kill the grass as well ?

I wouldn't !!

Especially as you can buy plenty of products that kill moss on lawns.

Hocus Focus · 17-04-2019 4:17pm

DK32 wrote: »

I just put in a couple of large scoops of powder in the sprayer and then filled the sprayer up 1/2 full with hot tap water, agitated the sprayer bottle to mix the powder and water together and then topped up the bottle to the top level with hot tap water.

Then you just head out and spray. I was still left with a big lump of powder in the bottom of the bottle afterwards which just washes out but it was sufficiently strong to make all the moss and weeds and green slime on brickwork to turn brown in a couple of days. It also rained between the time I sprayed and the time I went to brush it all off.

Is that a 5-litre sprayer or bigger?

TheShow · 17-04-2019 4:39pm

steinbock123 wrote: »

Would that Formil stuff work if I sprayed it on a very badly mossed lawn, or would it kill the grass as well ?

You can get lawn feed that has moss killer in it.

Works great, lawn turns black for a week or two but is great once the grass starts growing again.

a solution of washing powder will probably kill the grass and the moss too, whihc is what you don't want.

Spanish Eyes · 17-04-2019 4:50pm

Interesting thread. I just spent a backbreaking morning clearing our brick paved driveway of moss and weeds. Am knackered now!

I know it is not the same issue as OP, but I used one of those wire brush thinggies on a long handle and it was amazing. Took a while, but it removed all weeds (bits of grass really and moss (front is North facing so is prone to moss).

Just wondered if a watering can without the rose thing would work in future with the mix of washing powder and warm water. (I could always buy a sprayer I suppose lol).

Next job is to power wash it. Thinking of getting it done by a company as we are in a terrace, and getting the hose through the house is a pain in the Aras. Any recommendations South Dublin area? Very wary (sorry) of engaging our nomadic friends.

fryup · 09-09-2019 9:47am

regarding the washing powder does it matter if its bio or non-bio?

youtheman · 09-09-2019 11:37pm

fryup wrote: »

regarding the washing powder does it matter if its bio or non-bio?

Has to be Bio (in my experience anyway, worked a treat). Just do it when the ground is wet, but not raining heavy (so it will last a while and won't get washed away).

uck51js9zml2yt · 10-09-2019 11:28am

youtheman wrote: »

Has to be Bio (in my experience anyway, worked a treat). Just do it when the ground is wet, but not raining heavy (so it will last a while and won't get washed away).

Dk32 said non bio in an earlier post so not sure if it matters

youtheman · 10-09-2019 11:34am

Scarlett Thoughtless Monogamy wrote: »

Dk32 said non bio in an earlier post so not sure if it matters

Yeah, noted that. But I was always told that it had to be Bio. And I can categorically state that Bio works a treat (maybe non Bio works as well !).

sourcebody · 29-01-2020 1:58pm

Hi - I have used both mineral salt and Formil on separate ocassions. Both work well but I use them dry, just sprinkle some on the moss surface, then when it rains it soaks into the tarmac and in a couple of more days its all brown. Pressure wash the area then and take away all the dead moss. All is good again for another year but it will not be as strong the next year. Unfortunately its a long term job to keep it at bay.

Blowheads · 29-01-2020 2:04pm

Firstly, be under no circumstances power wash tar. You may do untold damage.
Under no circumstances use sulphate or iron on solid surface, it will destroy it leaving it all red and impossible to restore. Sulphate or iron should only be used on the lawn and even then be careful walking off a treated lawn into solid
As above you have a few options
1. Weeds and most require different solutions
2. Weeds need a weed killer so purchase according to garden center or something like Roundup (there are some new regulations on who can use it now)
3. Moss can be killed with cheap washing powder or a mood killer which is chlorine based. It will die and can be brushed off

Hocus Focus · 29-01-2020 3:44pm

1. The OP is asking about moss and weeds on a driveway, not a lawn.
1. For moss or green algae, forget detergent, salt, vinegar etc., the simple answer is Patio Magic. It comes in a 5l can from your local hardware, builders' providers, garden centre or agricultural co-op. Lidl do a similar product in a 1l container from time to time.
dilute 4 or 5 to one and spray on. It takes a few days to take effect and needs to be applied about twice annually.
No connection, just a satisfied user. I use it on my boat also.
3. For the weeds buy 5l of Roundup when you are getting the Patio Magic.

Blowheads · 29-01-2020 4:37pm

Hocus Focus wrote: »

1. The OP is asking about moss and weeds on a driveway, not a lawn.
1. For moss or green algae, forget detergent, salt, vinegar etc., the simple answer is Patio Magic. It comes in a 5l can from your local hardware, builders' providers, garden centre or agricultural co-op. Lidl do a similar product in a 1l container from time to time.
dilute 4 or 5 to one and spray on. It takes a few days to take effect and needs to be applied about twice annually.
No connection, just a satisfied user. I use it on my boat also.
3. For the weeds buy 5l of Roundup when you are getting the Patio Magic.

Yep got that, he said he has a tarmac driveway, I commented that sulphate of iron should not be used on a solid surface only on a lawn, someone above mentioned using it

Hocus Focus · 29-01-2020 5:05pm

Hi Blowheads,
My comments were not directed at you , but at the thread generally.
+1 on not power spraying tarmac. How do I know about that:(

Blowheads · 29-01-2020 5:33pm

Hocus Focus wrote: »

Hi Blowheads,
My comments were not directed at you , but at the thread generally.
+1 on not power spraying tarmac. How do I know about that:(

A1, here's a question for you, have more growing in garden along by the kerbs. What to use that's ok for lawn and kerb/tar? Any idea?

Tabnabs · 29-01-2020 5:56pm

Absolutely do not power wash tarmac. You will destroy the surface, dig up a lot of chippings and the moss and weds will be worse than ever.

Hocus Focus · 29-01-2020 7:12pm

Blowheads wrote: »

A1, here's a question for you, have more growing in garden along by the kerbs. What to use that's ok for lawn and kerb/tar? Any idea?

If it's weeds in the tarmac along the kerbs I'd use Roundup very carefully on a very still day with the spray head held very close to the ground and maybe a sheet of ply or a plank held upright along the kerb to shield the grass.

uck51js9zml2yt · 29-01-2020 10:10pm

Tabnabs wrote: »

Absolutely do not power wash tarmac. You will destroy the surface, dig up a lot of chippings and the moss and weds will be worse than ever.

Glad it rained before I could get going with the power washer on Saturday

Blowheads · 30-01-2020 8:43am

Hocus Focus wrote: »

If it's weeds in the tarmac along the kerbs I'd use Roundup very carefully on a very still day with the spray head held very close to the ground and maybe a sheet of ply or a plank held upright along the kerb to shield the grass.

Sorry, moss (damn spell check) growing in the lawn right by the kerb, any idea?

LillySV · 30-01-2020 8:47am

As already said , washing powder or jeyes fluid

stoneill · 30-01-2020 8:52am

Weed burning blow torch for the big weeds, then a bleach or jeyes fluid solution brushed on to kill moss.
Power washing will disintegrate a tarmac driveway.

shovtco · 22-04-2020 10:32am

Put sulphate of iron out on tarmacadam thinking it was washing powder and have all orange stains over my tarmac. How can I remove those stains. I have alot . Please help.

G1032 · 20-09-2020 11:02am

DK32 wrote: »

I use Formil non-bio washing powder from Lidl, diluted with warm water and put it a weed sprayer. Give all the moss a good soak, within a few days it will all turn brown, you can then brush it off with a stiff yard brush, works very well on weeds also.

This literally works on everything, we use it on brickwork, cobble lock paving, wood etc..

Old thread I know, but can anyone tell me what concentration to dilute the washing powder at?
I've read before that it's 1 cup to 10 litres but that seems very weak?

Baoithin66 · 24-09-2020 8:20pm

I just bought the cheapest power in Lidl and shook it out by hand over the moss (like spreading lawn seed)

twofish101 · 24-09-2020 8:43pm

https://www.vegemac.be/en/shop/video/i/737834

we have something similar to this and it is really good at moving moss etc from tarmac, can be a lot of debris to clean up after but instant result.

G1032 · 24-09-2020 8:45pm

twofish101 wrote: »

https://www.vegemac.be/en/shop/video/i/737834

we have something similar to this and it is really good at moving moss etc from tarmac, can be a lot of debris to clean up after but instant result.

Is that €1600??? You'd but a lot of washing powder for that

twofish101 · 24-09-2020 9:16pm

Commercial machine, much better than caustic soda and potassium hydroxide (KOH) or caustic potash. These are the most commonly used alkalies in soaps and detergents.

Funsterdelux · 24-09-2020 9:55pm

A hoe and a yard brush.

Strimmer with plastic gut.

80j2lc5y7u6qs9 · 24-09-2020 10:03pm

patio magic. follow directions . remove heavy stuff first and sweep away, prob need a couple treatments

Varik · 24-09-2020 10:43pm

I bought a cheap metal brush head for my strimmers.

614aGCeIMnL._AC_SY450_.jpg

clears it easy.

SouthWesterly · 24-09-2020 10:50pm

Varik wrote: »

I bought a cheap metal brush head for my strimmers.

clears it easy.

Have one of these as well but the vibration plays havoc with the body.

TheRiverman · 24-09-2020 11:02pm

I use Daz detergent powder for moss on tarmac, just put it in a bucket and shake it on.It will burn it into oblivion.

Fireside Solicitor · 17-10-2020 7:52pm

Bio washing powder and plenty of it.
No power washing will lift the stones if the bitumen is old.
A good hard brushing once the moss dies.
You will need to do this 2 or 3 times between September and April.
Hope it helps

salamiii · 17-10-2020 9:42pm

spray with vinegar

dinneenp · 22-10-2020 11:48am

Hi.
So sprinkle bio washing powder on or dilute it? Which is best?
Thanks,
Pa.

Tarmac Driveway full of moss/weeds - hot to fix?

Comments