Homeowners with concrete and asphalt driveways often deal with unwanted green patches of moss — that moss thrives in shady or damp areas. Growth can happen year-round, and while it may seem like a small issue, leaving it on your driveway can cause problems, especially when colder, wetter weather arrives. Stubborn patches of moss retain moisture, which can lead to damage over time and create slippery surfaces. Removing moss before winter not only extends the life of your driveway but also minimizes future maintenance and helps preserve the condition of your surface.
Why Moss and Moisture Are Harmful to a Driveway
Moss thrives in damp conditions, and shaded driveways provide the perfect surface for it to settle in. The porous nature of both concrete and asphalt allows moss roots to grip easily, meaning it can quickly spread if left untreated. Moist conditions weaken the driveway, and while every driveway is going to deal with rain and other forms of moisture, it's the shaded driveways that struggle with moss the most. Without the direct sun, moisture settles instead of quickly drying, and this causes small cracks to form. When winter temperatures drop, any moisture absorbed can freeze, expand, and cause cracks or potholes to grow over time.
Aside from structural damage, large patches of moss can be a safety hazard, especially if your driveway is on an incline. When it becomes wet, it can be very slippery, which increases the likelihood of falls and injuries. In addition to having higher expenses in driveway repairs, once the moss is there, spores are more likely to continue to thrive, and the chances of moss growth increase.
How to Remove Moss from a Driveway
You'll Need
- Protective gear (gloves, safety goggles, mask if using chemical cleaners)
- Broom or leaf blower
- Moss-killer solution (homemade solutions, like a diluted bleach solution, natural methods, like baking soda, or a commercial product)
- Spray bottle or garden sprayer
- Stiff-bristle brush
- Pressure washer (optional, but recommended)
- Cold asphalt patch, sealer, and brushes (optional)
1. Prepare the Area for Moss Removal
Start by removing any loose dirt, leaves, or debris from the driveway surface using a broom or a leaf blower. This will allow the homemade moss killer or a store-bought chemical solution to directly contact the driveway.
2. Gather Your Cleaning Solution
Some tutorials will suggest you opt for household products like white vinegar, but it's never been strong enough for our moss. We go straight for a stronger solution using a 1:1 mixture of bleach and warm water that's more likely to also kill moss spores. Be sure to wear gloves and protective gear if using the bleach mixture or any chemical-based solution. It also helps to do this on a day with a light breeze so you have some natural ventilation.
3. Apply the Treatment
Apply your chosen moss-killing solution. Either spray or pour the bleach mixture directly on the affected moss areas or follow your store-bought product’s instructions. Let it sit for the recommended time to ensure the moss is thoroughly weakened (for bleach, we give it 15-30 minutes). Afterward, use a stiff brush or a power washer to scrub the moss off the surface. Make sure you protect any nearby plants. If exposed to too much bleach water, pull over the garden hose and add plenty of moisture to the soil to help dilute it.
Pro tip: Be cautious with pressure washing because too much force can erode the surface. A wide-angle (30- or 45-degree head is best).
4. Inspect and Repair the Driveway
Once you’ve removed the moss, check for any cracks or potholes that may have developed. Moss can sometimes hide small imperfections that grow larger when exposed to moisture and freezing temperatures. If you find that it's necessary on an asphalt driveway, use a cold asphalt patch to fill in any cracks or holes to restore the surface. Make sure the patches are even, and allow them to cure fully before moving on.
5. Seal and Protect Asphalt
Sealing your asphalt driveway after cleaning and repairs provides a barrier against moisture and new moss growth provides. Apply a high-quality asphalt sealer, which will create a smoother, less porous surface that discourages moss growth and prevents water from seeping in. Be sure to follow the sealer’s instructions for curing time, as it’s ideal to apply it when temperatures are mild.
How often should I reseal an asphalt driveway to prevent moss growth?
Most experts recommend resealing an asphalt driveway every 2-3 years to keep it in good condition and prevent moss buildup. Regular resealing fills in any minor surface imperfections and keeps moisture from seeping in, which discourages moss and other organic growth.
What are some eco-friendly moss removal options?
Vinegar and water mixtures, baking soda, or boiling water can be effective moss killers for driveways. Vinegar, in particular, is naturally an effective solution if you only have light moss, and excess vinegar isn't likely to harm surrounding plants if applied carefully. Just be sure to scrub the moss thoroughly after application to prevent regrowth.
