How to Stop Moss Growth With Salt

Moss can cause structures to rot and become slippery.

Moss growing on trees, shrubs and forest beds benefits the ecosystem: it retains water for plants and shelters beneficial insects. Unfortunately, the slippery plant can spread to roofs and walkways, damaging the structures and presenting tripping hazards. You can remove moss from specific areas with potassium salts of fatty acids. Unlike table salt, potassium salts will kill moss naturally without harming nearby plants or corroding metal surfaces.

Things You'll Need

• Scraping tool
• Garden hose
• 1 bottle of potassium salt-based moss killer

Instructions

1. Scrape off as much moss as you can, using a scraping tool.

2. Screw the bottle of moss killer onto a garden hose nozzle.

3. Spray a generous amount of the moss killer on the infested area.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid killing moss growing in water, on the ground or on plants. To maintain the ecosystem’s balance, only apply the moss killer to man-made structures, such as walkways and roofs.

• Potassium salt is toxic to fish and aquatic wildlife. Do not apply this product to moss growing in lakes and ponds.

References

• Oregon State University; Managing Moss, Lichen and Algae; Judy Scott
• Oregon State University: Chemical Moss Control for Roofs, Decks and Sidewalks