Skip to main content

Transformation from the Ground Up

Call Us Today: 301-416-0033

You are here

Recipes to Control Moss or Weeds in Pavers

Two things that we can count on during the Mid-Atlantic Spring season:  Rainy Days and Weeds!

We all know that we need the rain to make things grow in our gardens, but I sure wish we could exclude weeds from the equation.  Don't you?  If you're like me, you would prefer not to use a harmful poison--like RoundUp--to eliminate weeds, especially if you have children and/or pets that play outside.  Here's a recipe for a safe alternative.

Homemade Non-Toxic Vegetation Killer Recipe

  • 1 Gallon White Vinegar
  • 2 Cups Epsom Salts
  • 1/4 Cup Blue Dawn Dish Detergent

Mix this up in your favorite one gallon sprayer and spray away.  Just remember to aim directly at the weeds because this concoction cannot differentiate between weeds and flowers.  If you have a pond with fish, do not allow the spray to get into the water.  Also, this recipe works best for patios, walkways, driveways, etc., but it can be used for weeds in landscape beds.  However, one thing to remember is that spraying salt continually into your soil can alter the chemical composition of your soil, and, in time, it could harm your desirable plants.  So be careful.  Rinse the sprayer out with fresh water after each use or the Epsom Salts will corrode your sprayer assembly.  This mixture works best if used on hot, sunny days.  

Moss:  You Either Love It or Hate It

Moss thrives in shady, damp locations.  During rainy seasons, paver joints tend to be damp and hold moisture, which is a breeding ground for moss (even in full sun if the paver joints stay wet).  Some people think that moss in between the pavers looks cool, but there are others who want to annihilate it.  So here's your recipe.

Moss Killer Recipe (Ratio 1:10)

  • 1 Cup Clorox
  • 10 Cups Water

Be careful not to get it on other plant material. Keep in mind that there is nothing that will keep the moss from growing back if it’s in a shady, damp area. For a more permanent solution, you will need to correct the moisture and shade problems that are encouraging the moss or mold.