MOSS KILLER FOR ROOFS INSTALL
MOSS KILLER FOR ROOFS SKIN

If you install zinc strips or zinc-impregnated composition roofing, ensure that roof runoff doesn’t flow directly into storm drains, streams, or other bodies of water. Zinc is potentially toxic to fish and other aquatic life.

MOSS KILLER FOR ROOFS SKIN

Always read and follow label directions when using chemical pesticides.Īvoid products containing zinc sulfates or copper sulfates because these chemicals are not biodegradable, and the products are often corrosive to skin and eyes. If you decide to use a chemical, pick a safer product for people, pollinators and the environment by using the product rankings in the Grow Smart, Grow Safe product tables. While the safer moss-control products are less toxic, all moss killers are toxic to aquatic organisms. Protect Fish – Only Use Chemicals as a Last Resort Divert water onto your lawn or filter debris out the water before it enters a storm drain.

You can also pressure wash pavement with cold water and no chemicals or soap.

Pavement: Use a wire brush or stiff broom to remove moss and debris from pavement.

You may want to hire someone to clean your roof for you. A leaf blower or gentle sweeping can be helpful. Power washing can damage shingles or get water under them.

Roof: If it is safe to walk on your roof, carefully use hand tools, not power washing, to remove moss, leaves and needles from roofs.

Don’t wait for a thick coat of moss to build up. It is easier to clean areas in the summer when the moss is dried out. Remove as much moss as possible physically. This can be spot-treated with a less-toxic moss control product.

Look for early signs of moss growth, indicated by green or black discoloration.

Sweep pavement regularly to remove debris.

Keep surfaces clean. Clean your roof once or twice a year to remove any leaves or debris that can hold moisture.

Just thin out the branches that are causing a lot of shade on your roof or pavement. You certainly don’t need to remove entire trees for moss control. Pruning will let in more light and slow the buildup of moss. Moss may accumulate heavily on shaded areas. Prune back branches to reduce shade and falling leaves and needles.Instead of relying on chemicals to kill the moss, focus on preventative methods that will keep the moss from growing, or at least significantly reduce it: Areas that get direct sunlight are unlikely to develop moss problems. These will probably be north-facing slopes and areas in the shade of trees or other buildings. Growth of moss on pavement can create a dangerous, slippery surface.Ĭoncentrate your moss control efforts on areas that are most prone to moss problems. Growth of moss on most standard residential roofing materials (composite shingles or cedar shingles and shakes) can damage the roof. Here are some useful tips for environmentally-friendly moss prevention and treatment: Rainwater can wash moss killers that are left on roof down building downspouts, and off pavement, sending it to stormwater pipes and then to the nearest stream, lake or wetland. While moss on your roof or driveway is a common problem in our region, some moss removal methods can pollute our streams, lakes and wetlands and harm fish and plants in our waterways. Chances are that you have some happily growing on the roof of your home. It thrives in our rainy winters and grows on our roofs, lawns, sidewalks and even our cars. Unlike ordinary landscape plants, mosses don’t have vascular systems to carry water and nutrients, so they must have a damp environment in which to grow. Ah, moss… that beloved (or loathed) and ubiquitous Pacific Northwestern plant.

Moss killer for roofs