West Seattle Remove moss from pavers
Homeowner’s Issue
Moss on pavers is a West Seattle fact of life. The neighborhood’s marine climate—long, wet winters and frequent drizzle from October through April—keeps pavers damp. Many yards here are shaded by mature maples and evergreens or sit on north-facing slopes near Admiral and Alki, which means low sun and persistent moisture encourage moss and green algae on patios, steps, and shared walkways.
Soil in parts of West Seattle tends toward compacted glacial till with poor infiltration in low spots, so water pools between pavers and into joints. Curb appeal suffers, HOA rules flag slippery walkways, and the real risk is slip-and-fall on moss-slicked stone. Residents near Lincoln Park and on bluff properties also face extra runoff and erosion that pushes fines into joints, feeding moss. Cleanup has to consider street runoff, neighbor access, and seasonal water restrictions that limit how much hose time we can use in summer. Sustainable methods are essential—no herbicides—because many paver areas border planting beds, storm drains, and public paths. The right fix combines aggressive cleaning, improved drainage or joint sand, and small landscape changes that increase sun and airflow so the moss doesn’t simply come back after the next wet season.
Our Quality Service
We remove moss using mechanical and low-impact methods: hand-scraping, stiff brushes, rotary brushes set to paver-safe pressures, and low-pressure washing or steam where needed. We follow with an approved, non-toxic moss control—organic or acetic-acid based when appropriate—and reset joint sand to keep pavers stable.
Typical timelines: small patios (under 150 sq ft) — half a day; medium jobs (150–400 sq ft) — half to full day; larger or slope jobs may take a day or two and include drainage fixes. We schedule most work for drier spells (late spring through early fall) to maximize effectiveness. We always factor West Seattle’s rain windows and summer watering restrictions into timing.
Benefits: safer, non-slip surfaces; improved curb appeal; reduced repeat visits when combined with drainage or pruning; minimal impact on adjacent plantings and storm systems.
What’s Included
- Onsite assessment of moss extent, drainage issues, and access constraints.
- Manual moss removal from pavers and joints (scraping, brushing).
- Low-pressure rinse or steam cleaning to remove residue.
- Joint sand replacement (polymeric sand optional) and compaction.
- Application of eco-friendly, non-herbicide moss-control treatment.
- Basic cleanup and hauling of debris (green bin or haul-away options).
Options / upgrades:
- Sealing pavers after full drying (adds protection; not a weed-block guarantee).
- Re-leveling or replacing damaged pavers.
- Small drainage installations: channel drains, gravel strips, or edge grading.
- Landscape fabric under new gravel borders, organic pre-emergent strategies.
- Haul-away vs. green-bin disposal (you choose).
Before & After / Expectations
Expect some noise and water on site—pressure tools and brushes are part of the job. For most jobs we need clear access to the patio and a nearby water source; drive-up or alley access helps reduce time and cost. We’ll leave the area tidy and dispose of plant material per your preference.
Timing notes: best results follow a dry period of several days so treatments can dry; avoid scheduling during heavy rain seasons. Moss regrowth is likely in persistently shaded, damp spots—combining pruning/airflow improvements and joint work reduces recurrence. We don’t use herbicides: organic treatments slow regrowth but won’t prevent it forever without cultural fixes.
Care tips for West Seattle:
- Trim overhanging branches to increase sun and wind.
- Improve drainage: clear gutters and consider small regrades where water pools.
- Sweep pavers monthly in wet months to remove leaf litter and debris that retain moisture.
- For high-visibility areas, plan a maintenance visit each spring.
FAQs (3–5)
Q: Will you use herbicides to kill moss?
A: No. We use mechanical removal and non-herbicidal, eco-friendly treatments only to protect plants and local waterways.
Q: How long before I can walk on treated pavers?
A: Most surfaces are safe to walk on once dry—typically a few hours to a day depending on weather.
Q: How often will moss come back?
A: In shady, damp spots you can expect regrowth within months. Combining drainage fixes and pruning extends clean intervals to a year or more.
Q: Do you fix drainage and slope issues?
A: Yes. We offer minor drainage work and can recommend or install small channels, gravel strips, or regrading to divert water away from pavers.
Q: Can you work near public paths or Lincoln Park access points?
A: We’ve done projects near public areas and follow local rules for runoff and debris. We coordinate access and cleanup to avoid impact.
Call to Action
If your West Seattle patio, walkway, or driveway is slick or mossy, book a free estimate. We prioritize quick scheduling, practical fixes, and sustainable methods that reduce repeat work. Trusted local crew — familiar with Alki, Lincoln Park, and Admiral microclimates.
Email: neatandtidyseattle@gmail.com
Phone: 206-538-9344
We’ll give a straight assessment, clear pricing, and a realistic maintenance plan.