Most homeowners in the Pacific Northwest can name those areas in their yard (or on their roof) that exist as perpetual moss-loving areas. With shady yards and our wet climate, moss always finds a way to grow.
Pressure washing or scrubbing moss from patios, decks, roofs or driveways is a preferred approach. However, some homeowners find chemical applications easier for control. Chemicals can be suitable solutions, but take a minute to think about the warnings on the labels: do not spray on lawns, plants, or other organic surfaces. Why? These chemicals, including at-home baking soda solutions or bleach, will kill your plants and lawn. Now think about what these chemicals do in the stormwater system, and in the streams and rivers they connect with.
If you choose to use chemicals for cleaning and treating your moss growth, please avoid washing these chemicals into the streets and storm drains. If you are spraying your roof with chemicals such as a moss-be-gone product, disconnect your downspouts when spraying. Gutter downspouts on many homes are connected to your home’s drainage system, which connect to the stormwater system. Stormwater runoff - including rainwater, irrigation runoff, or car-wash water - leads directly into our local streams and rivers.
No matter which method you use - pressure washing, scrubbing, or chemical applications -the moss undoubtedly return sooner or later. So why not save the health of our local streams and rivers, nix the chemicals, and take an environmentally-friendly approach to moss-removal: chemical-free.