Keeping weeds and moss away from your homes concrete designs and structures will not only keep the area looking good, but will stave off the need to replace the entire area. Some weeds can actually grow through concrete slabs (Japanese Knotweed); others will start to grow through cracks (dandelions) and along the outer trim of the concrete area. Weather your problem is weed or moss, it is imperative to remove them completely in order to keep any concrete areas safe and structurally sound. Here are the basic fundamentals to keeping your concrete areas safe, and weed and moss free for years to come.
First choose the right concrete surface for your needs.
Poured concrete slabs are best for avoiding long-term weeding woes. They are a continuous surface without joints or spaces for weeds algae or moss to grow through. However, depending on the climate in your area and the possibility of earthquakes, a continuous concrete surface will buckle from these environments and replacing the whole slab will not only be costly and time consuming, the repairs will be obvious. Remember that poured concrete is permanent, so preparing the area to be poured is essential to keeping the durability and duration. Removing all weeds, as well as rocks, twigs, etc is the first step. Next, use a ground cover under the poured concrete such as newspaper and mulch in order to ensure whatever seed or weed left unnoticed will not be able to penetrate the poured area. Some weeds can lie dormant for decades without water or sunlight then suddenly start growing; preparing the area with a cover will lessen this possibility.
Pavers are another concrete option when designing your area. Because they are individually fitted, they can be dug up and replaced at a whim with little to no notice. However, they are usually fitted with sand between the concrete stones which can be a haven for weeds, algae and moss. Once again it is important to prepare the area you will be using pavers on to prevent weeds from growing from underneath. If you don't want the 'country' look of moss and weeds from growing between the tiles, you will have to scrape the area regularly.
Next, get rid of the problem
There are plenty of moss and weed killers on the market to target the problem. Unfortunately these are usually chemical mixtures which can lead to health problems for you and your family members, pets too. Some chemicals will stain the concrete or pavers with iron sulfate, giving them an orangey look. Regardless of which chemical killer you use, you will still have to scrape and remove the moss or weeds after they have died, so just do this step and save yourself the chemical headaches.
Nearly all weeds arise from windblown seeds landing in cracks and crevices between block paving stones with sand inlays. Sweeping the area regularly will result in less of this happening.
Always lay down weed barriers beneath the surface of paths, patios and driveways, regardless if their pavers or concrete. Barriers can be plastic or fabric, but some people will guarantee that newspaper does the same good work, for cheaper. Once the barrier is laid, cover the area in mulch as an added weed and moss deterrent.
Take care with power/pressure washers to eradicate weeds and moss, many manufacturers of concrete paving products are barring jet wash use in their guarantee documents. You don't want to wave your valuable guarantee for a little moss or weeds. That would be a shame.
The best offense in killing weeds is a great defense. Knowing what look you want for your area is a good place to start, then follow these tips and you will be guaranteed to have a gorgeous concrete surface free of cracks with weeds and moss for years to come.
