It is probably moss. I know lime kills moss in grass but not sure about bricks. Some people pay big money to have their rocks and walks accented with moss. If you get a power washer that will surely take care of it.

Thanks! I'll give it a try.

Hello Stephanie38,

I've dealt with this problem successfully and unsuccessfully. In most cases, the reason the mold grows is because of prolonged moisture. This can be the result of excessive debris on the patio, dark shade with high humidity, or installation materials. Obviously the cure for debris is to regularly clean the patio. If your patio is in a very shady, high moisture environment, then I suggest you either tame the mold and use it to your advantage, like another poster had mentioned, or do some trimming and allow direct sunlight into the area. If your patio was installed in a clay based material like diamond dust, or if the installer used a plastic weed fabric underneath the pavers, then you are trapping water and culturing mold. The only solution for this is to remove the pavers and base and put in a free draining base.

I have found cases in my area where mold seems to grow uncontrolably at certain elevations, and on certains sides of inland lakes. A quick way to determine if this is the case with you is to look around and see if the mold is growing in other places. Same can be said for the shady environment theory.

George Nicula

Member,

Professional Landscaping Companies, LLC

Traverse City, Michigan

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