How Do I Stop My Patio Going Green?

It’s that time of year when we try and make the most of being outside and enjoying our garden. The problem is, it’s been so long since you’ve given it any attention that now you notice the patio has taken on a strange green colour. It doesn’t look like where you are going to hold parties and playdates, or indulge in some rest and relaxation.

Luckily, all is not lost, and you can restore your patio to its best and banish the green. In this blog, we’ll tell you how.

Why is my patio going green?

The green staining or patches that you see on your patio often stem from how your patio is positioned. If it's constantly in the shade, or you see a lot of rainfall and humidity, it’s pretty much guaranteed that your patio will turn a little green at some point.

The green you see is moss, algae, mildew and practically anything else that thrives in a shaded or damp area. It can be easily removed, and in many cases, might not cause significant damage to your patio. However, sometimes these cheeky pests attach themselves deep within the patio surface, slowly breaking down the foundations of it and making it unstable and unsafe.

How to stop a patio going green naturally

There are various methods you can use to combat the green enemy living on your patio. Some methods are quick and simple. Others are a little more involved, and some will only apply to a certain type of patio.

Regular cleaning

It might sound simple, but staying on top of the cleaning does wonders for eliminating the presence of moss, algae or mildew. A gentle sweep with a stiff brush can be enough to dislodge dirt, debris and anything else that helps such intruders thrive.

Increase exposure to sunlight

If you have plenty of plants or trees covering parts of your patio, consider trimming them back a little. Giving your patio additional exposure to the sun slows the spread of moss or algae, as one of its main sources of strength has been removed.

Improve drainage

All that green on your patio is sucking up as much moisture as it can to keep itself spreading. Cut off its moisture supply, and it can’t grow as it would like to. This isn’t always as easy as it sounds. So you may need to do some groundwork or look for a surfacing contractor to help you. Consider adding or improving drainage or implementing a slope so that water doesn’t pool.

How can I remove the green from my patio?

Should your patio already be coated in a green mess, there are a few things you can do that will remove it.

White vinegar

White vinegar is like a nuclear weapon to algae and other sources of green on your patio. The acidity of the vinegar dries out the algae or moss and allows for an easy-to-remove intruder. You might need to give it an hour or so to work, but this is a safe and fairly quick way to get rid of those green marks. You can also consider bleach, but it’s a little more dangerous as it can not only cause harm to you but also the environment.

There are numerous chemicals on the market that kill moss, algae or mould, but each should be approached with care. Always read the instructions to see if they are safe for the surface you are applying them to.

Pressure washer

A pressure washer can be a great way to remove signs of algae or traces of moss from a patio. It shouldn’t be your first port of call. Pressure washers can damage your patio tiles. In fact, they can make it easy for moss or algae to take root as the pressure can cause tiles to crack, providing a perfect place for algae to settle. You might even find that rather than remove any green from your patio, you simply move it elsewhere.

Soap, baking soda and water

This can be a great, cheap way to remove any green from your patio. You’ll need to scrub it aggressively and go over some areas a few times, but you'll avoid causing damage like you would with a pressure washer.

Protecting your patio to stop it from turning green

Everything mentioned so far helps remove algae from your patio or at least reduces the chances of it growing. However, sometimes you can’t increase the exposure to sunlight, or maybe the drainage can’t be improved. Luckily, there is a solution that can be used in these cases.

You can seal your patio with a protective sealant. Do this when all traces of algae have been removed and your patio is dry. Once it's applied, you’ll have a barrier that stops algae, moss, and anything else from being able to settle and take root in your patio.

If you are planning to add a patio to your garden or have an existing one that’s seen better days, get in touch with our team. We are the leading surfacing contractors in the south and provide high-quality surfacing for both residential and commercial properties. Whether it be a new tarmac driveway, a race track, a playground or a patio, our experienced team can help.