How2Day: Equipment for Moss Removal

It's best to get rid of moss unless it's ornamental or nonintrusive. Moss image by Yaroslav Knish from Fotolia.com
Moss can hold in moisture, which can rot wood and damage roofs; it can be slippery and unsightly, and take over lawns. Most homeowners have the basic equipment necessary for moss removal such as a ladder, brush, rake and sprayer. Specialty equipment may also be needed, depending on where the moss is growing and how much effort you want to put into removing it.

To remove moss from your yard, the tools needed can include a tiller, aerator, rakes, lawn mower and lime. Moss can be raked out, preferably after applying a moss killing product, or tilled under followed by grass seeding. Use an aerator if the soil is compacted. Consistent mowing, leaving the grass 2 to 3 inches long, will help keep moss at bay. Your soil may benefit from adding lime, but have your soil tested to be sure. If moss is a continual problem, consider replacing it with rocks or patio pavers.

Power equipment can be rented to quickly remove moss from patios, sidewalks and driveways. The walk-behind or tractor-attached machines are equipped with a large rotating brush that eliminates moss, regardless of the type of paving. A long-handled brush and/or power washer may be used instead. You may wish to avoid using moss killing products, since they will stain most surfaces.

To remove moss from a roof, you will likely need a ladder or scaffolding, a garden sprayer or a brush, a pressure washer and possibly a safety harness. Zinc strips are optional. You'll also need a moss treatment product. Kill the moss first by using a nontoxic product. Apply it in the spring or fall with a sprayer or brush. Once the moss is dead, use a pressure washer at low pressure to flush it off. Stand above the shingles when spraying to avoid getting water under the shingles. After the roof is free of moss, installing zinc strips at the peak and at intervals along the roof can inhibit moss growth, according to PopularMechanics.com. An alternative method, if you don't want to climb onto your roof, is to spray the moss killer onto your roof and let rain and snow rinse off the moss once it has dried.

Moss grows in moist, shaded areas. In order to prevent moss from returning once you've removed it, you'll need to change the conditions in which it grew. Trim trees, bushes and hedges using loppers or a saw to let sunlight through. Provide drainage to mossy areas of your yard, if possible. Maintaining a healthy lawn with the help of fertilizer will prevent moss from overpowering the grass.

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