Common Paver Problems: Moss, Weeds and Staining

Maintaining pavers can be a demanding job at times. Moss, weeds, staining and efflorescence can all build up over time, marring the appearance of your carefully chosen, lovingly installed pavers. However, there is no need to worry, because these common paver problems can all easily be overcome, with the right equipment, methods and a little expert help. It is important to remember, however, that prevention is always the best remedy when it comes to dealing with these paver problems. 

Identifying Common Paver Patio Problems 

The most common paver problems relate either to natural plant growth forcing its way up from underneath, or from damage and staining from above. Let us first look at how to identify these problems and then discover a few ways to deal with them.

Staining is easy to spot, although it is not always as easy to know what has caused it. The problem is that most pavers are quite porous, meaning they absorb substances spilled on them, making it difficult to clean them. Prevention is always the best cure. Spillages, especially of hard-to-remove substances like motor oil, should be carefully avoided. When such spillages occur, they become a bit of an eyesore, and the longer they are left to soak into the pavers, the more difficult it will be to remove them.

Other stains could result from tyre marks, rust, foods and beverages, or cement. These are comparatively easier to remove than oil, but may require strong detergents, a lot of scrubbing, and even scraping or chiselling in extreme cases.

As for natural plant growth, the biggest pain for most owners of paver surfaces is the emergence of weeds. Weeds are fairly easy to remove, but they will have a tendency to recur unless you take strong preventive measures – more on that later.

If pavers are laid near large trees, roots are likely to start pushing them up from beneath eventually. This will become visible when your pavers start to lift, shift or crack. It is best to plan for trees before you lay your paving. It is a shame to remove trees, although that is the best way to prevent this problem from happening. If you would prefer to keep your trees, you can always just cut away and remove the roots in the area without cutting the tree down. The severed roots will need to be removed from the ground. You should bear in mind that there is a good chance these roots will grow back.   

You may also see a bright green, fuzzy growth in the gaps between your pavers. This is moss, and it can really make your paving look unsightly, while also causing structural damage over time. Thankfully, moss can be dealt with, as we will explain below.

How Do You Kill Moss on Pavers

If you spot moss growth on your pavers, you can clear it away with a few simple steps:

First, clean the pavers with a hose or power washer, and a broom or hard-bristled brush. Be sure to trim any trees or shrubs that are blocking the sunlight from the paved area, creating shady, damp conditions where moss can thrive. Pour some boiling water on the affected areas, and then scrub the moss away. You can also apply baking soda or a commercial herbicide, and then use a paving sealer to prevent further growth.

How to Get Rid of Weeds Between Pavers

Weed growth is a very common nuisance for paver owners. Many people think that weeds spring up from beneath the pavers, but this is not strictly true. In fact, the seeds that give rise to weeds are planted from above, when birds or other animals drop them between the pavers. Sometimes, they are also blown in by the wind. Weeds take root and grow very easily. 

Weeds can be removed using commercial weed killers. There are now natural, non-toxic alternatives available if that is a concern for you. However, one of the best ways to prevent the growth of weeds, as well as moss and other plant life between your pavers, is to use polymer paving sand. The polymer in the sand is a binding agent, which causes the sand to bind and harden when it comes into contact with water. This ensures that your pavers are installed more securely, but it also makes the gaps between the pavers less hospitable to plant life.

How Do You Remove Oil Stains From Pavers

The best way to remove oil from your pavers is with a powerful detergent that is chemically formulated to break down oil and grease. If you catch the stain early, you might be able to remove it completely. However, if left to soak into the pavers, oil stains will be more or less permanent. Scrubbing with a strong detergent may only serve to reduce the appearance of the stain. Applying a paving sealer is the best way to prevent oil stains from gaining a foothold on your pavers.

If you need more expert tips for dealing with common paver problems, or if you need professional landscaping or hardscaping services, contact Fox Hollow Landscaping and Design.