UK-based landscaper Fiona Jenkins, who has over 25 years’ of experience in the gardening industry, said the way you deal with weeds and moss “will depend on the severity of the problem”. Fiona, based at MyJobQuote.co.uk, said: “If it is possible for you to pull the weeds up by hand, then you should go ahead and do this.
“Try to pull up as much of the root as you can in the process to minimise the chances of regrowth.” If you have an “extreme weed problem”, then the use of a weed killer might be considered. “Always make sure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the label and keep your children and pets away from the area,” Fiona cautioned.
Once the weeds have been dug up, root and all, it’s best to maintain the patio to prevent further regrowth.
The first step you should do is create “a good soapy cleaning solution” with mild soap and warm water.
“This will work just fine,” Fiona promised, adding that you need to “mix the soapy solution around until you start to see some foam forming on the top”.
You then need to pour this soapy mixture onto the patio to scrub away any dirt and grime.
“Once you’ve finished scrubbing, you can then rinse away any leftover soapy residue with some clean water,” said Fiona. “You may need a hose for this, or you can do it with some buckets of water.”
Fiona added: “After the scrubbing stage, you will need to brush over the area. Grab a hard-bristled brush and begin brushing from one side of the patio to the other side.”
Once the surface dirt has loosened, it’s best to rinse the patio again with water and to let it dry.
Fiona said: “When it’s fully dry, you’ll then be able to see how much of a difference the cleaning has made.”
Removing moss from the patio
“Baking soda works really well on moss,” said Fiona, adding that it’s best to remove moss on “dry days”.
She instructed: “Sprinkle some baking soda across the affected area and then leave this overnight. You can then sweep away the remnants the following day.”
Moss can also be removed either boiling water, a pressure washer, or even a vinegar and water mix.
“Consistent maintenance, including regular cleaning and fast removal of weeds and moss, is the key to preventing future regrowth,” said Fiona.
