Moss and slime on hard surfaces

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It is well known that certain conditions favour the growth of moss or algae. If you have one or more of these conditions there is certainly a greater chance of ‘greening’

  • Dark, shaded areas – out of direct sunlight
  • Wet or permanently damp surfaces, i.e; poor drainage
  • Humidity
  • Where airflow is reduced, ie; enclosed areas, courtyards, etc

Moss requires moist air to grown and reproduces via spores that attach to the nearest suitable surface. Since the reduction in air pollution, acid rain and sulphur dioxide in the air, moss, algae and lichen has become common everywhere. Often all three suspects are found together; however the small flat, dark spots of lichen are almost impossible to remove without jet washing or blasting.

How to get rid of moss & algae

Although the problem is treatable, unless the conditions in which the moss & algae grew are changed there may be some re-growth and this is where you need to manage customer’s expectations. Where you can it is best advised to chop away any overhanging trees or bushes, improve drainage around edges of mossy patios by digging a small channel and backfilling it with gravel. Removing rotten fences and bushes are also an option that can also serve to improve airflow and reduce the incidents of moss & algae.

There are a number of moss and algae control products on the market but Algoclear Pro is one of the few super concentrated biocides, containing quarternary ammonium compounds. Four times more concentrated than regular products it neutralises the acidity in growing conditions and bonds to treated substrate so that it can keep on working well after spraying. AlgoClear Pro is applied diluted in a pump spray. Suitable for use in a variety of situations such as patios, artificial sports pitches & lawns, tennis courts, timber, vertical cladding and roof tiles - this is a highly versatile product.

AlgoClear Pro in action

Slime on a north facing shed door was sprayed and left for over a year with no subsequent intervention and has kept free of green. The Algoclear works into the wood and any biofilm (greening, slime etc) which tries to attach itself is washed off by natural weathering and rainfall.

This post is sponsored by Progreen weed control solutions.

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Peter sellers replied to Gary R's discussion Does moss always = full renovation
"Graham. These "all in one" products designed for joe public are crap they don't do anything well.  For moss buy pro kleen liquid iron - 2.5 lts in a 12 lt knapsack will do 200 sqmts it comes in a 5lt and is around £16 all in.
For fert we use an…"
2 hours ago
Graham Taylor replied to Gary R's discussion Does moss always = full renovation
"I think this will still come under repairing law and moss problems.  I've some lawns that are in a right state after winter... riddled with moss and lots of bare patches from the dry summer..I always use "Aftercut" weed, feed and mosskiller on…"
4 hours ago
Peter sellers replied to Peter sellers's discussion Ride on mower/ ride on plant are you covered?
"Your liability insurance should cover the hedgecutting,  However if you have drive your ride on across a pavement, road, private road or private/public car park your liability insurance will not cover you. We have just taken out cover at a cost of…"
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"Maybe I'm going to be looking to upgrade my old steel platform for an aluminum version...thanks"
9 hours ago
Tim Wallach replied to Tim Wallach's discussion Tripod ladder user? Your advice sought please!
"Thanks...your comment appreciated!"
9 hours ago
Gary R replied to Gary R's discussion Does moss always = full renovation
"Thanks Peter"
10 hours ago
Peter sellers replied to Gary R's discussion Does moss always = full renovation
"Gary,
The method we use when the client does nor want a full renovation - spray pro kleen liquid iron at a dilution of 2.5 lts in 12lts water this will cover around 200 sq mts if you thoroughly wet the area. After 7 to 10 days repeat but with the…"
10 hours ago
John F replied to Peter sellers's discussion Ride on mower/ ride on plant are you covered?
"Interesting but not surprised . Makes we wonder about mowing a grass verge outside a customers property and cutting the pedestrian side of a hedge which is a public right of way . "
19 hours ago
John F replied to Gary R's discussion Does moss always = full renovation
"Not strictly the purists method but had customers who prefer not to use moss killer which discolours the lawn or just prefer an organic approach .
I have used dethatching tines on a Stihl mm56 machine which literally pulls the moss out and a great…"
20 hours ago
Gary R posted a discussion
Hi.Does a mossey lawn always equal a full lawn renovation? Once you kill (or control) moss the customer is left with brown / black dead moss all over their lawn. So then its needs scarifying to rake it up, then usually a preseed fert, seed and top…
22 hours ago
Honey Badger replied to Tim Wallach's discussion Tripod ladder user? Your advice sought please!
"I have two tripod ladders, 8ft henchman and 12ft from orchard ladders, both have three extendable legs adding an extra foot and half. Been using them three years now, great ladders.
Ive cut a 10ft hedge with the 12th foot ladder. It not ideal the…"
23 hours ago
Billybop replied to Tim Wallach's discussion Tripod ladder user? Your advice sought please!
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yesterday
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Tim Wallach posted a discussion
How do you get on using a tripod ladder taller than the hedge you're cutting?  Are photos using them like this practical?I cut a variety of heights and only want to buy one new ladder to rule them all.   I currently use a folding combination ladder…
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Jon Chandler replied to Ian Stanton's discussion lawn repair soil
"Hi Ian,
My chooice is to scarify, overseed then top dress using Field 4 organic dressing, it's bloody brilliant.
You work it over the lawn with a lute or landscaper rake, i buy in bulk and have it delivered.
Hope that helps.
Jon"
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