How to Get Rid of Moss on an Asphalt Driveway

Removal

• 1

  Scrape moss from the asphalt driveway with a flat-bladed spade. Apply some pressure to the spade as your lean forward and scrape the driveway. This ensures direct contact with the asphalt to remove as much moss material and any underlying muck, soil or debris. Clear as much moss and muck as possible to reveal bare asphalt.

• 2

  Purchase a metal-sulfate based moss herbicide to spray on the asphalt driveway. Iron sulfate, potassium salts, zinc chloride and zinc sulfate all work to kill moss. Copper and aluminum salts also can kill moss. Read product label directions for proper application dosages and rates. Some moss herbicides, especially containing iron, stain surfaces. Look for any advisories or warnings of use on the product and buy the one best suited for your situation.

• 3

  Apply the moss herbicide onto the scraped areas of the driveway, as well as in any locations where scraping wasn't practical and traces of algae or moss remain. Keep the treatment area free of irrigation water to prevent herbicide dilution as well as not applying herbicide to the driveway before rains are expected.

• 4

  Reapply moss herbicide per label directions if moss remains. Do not overapply chemicals to save time or to "do a better job," as runoff from the driveway can harm lawn grasses or contaminate storm water drains and systems.

Prevention

• 5

  Adjust irrigation sprinkler heads near the driveway to ensure no overspray keep the asphalt driveway's surface wet. Moss needs moisture to grow. Preventing soggy conditions in cracks or puddles on the drive's surface eliminates moss-growing habitats.

• 6

  Sweep the driveway on a regular basis when conditions are dry. Alternatively, use a power blower. Eliminate any build-up of dirt and organic matter debris in cracks, seams or at the border with the lawn or garden bed and the asphalt.

• 7

  Remove low-hanging tree branches or other building features such as awnings or arbors. Excessive shade slows the evaporation of water from the driveway surface and prevents the heat of direct sun rays from drying the drive. Moss doesn't grow well in warm, sunny and dry areas of a driveway.