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Weeds, moss and algae typically grow between pavers that suffer from inadequate drainage or little sun exposure. While some encourage moss to grow between pavers for a rustic look, organic growth can be unsightly and damaging. Below are tips that can help prevent unwanted weeds, moss and algae from sprouting up between your pavers.
Remove
If you already have organic growth between pavers, you will want to remove it before considering preventative options. For moss is a surface growth. To remove it, scrub the area with a 10% to 20% bleach and water solution. Grass and other weeds should be sprayed with a plant-killer. You can also use a pressure washer to blast organic matter from between your pavers’ joints. However, be careful not to damage your pavers while doing so.
Sand
Proper drainage is the number one way to prevent organic growth between pavers. However, using polymeric sand is a close second. Polymeric sand is a joint filler that contains polymers that are activated when water is applied. Polymeric sand, as opposed to regular sand, hardens into a mortar-like joint filler to ensure a snug and secure plug between each of your pavers. This sand is best for preventing organic growth because it does not contain loose granules once sprayed with water. It does not allow sunlight or water to penetrate its surface, thus depriving organic matter of life-giving nutrients needed to grow.
Seal
Sealing, in and of itself, is not the first line of defense against plant growth. Drainage and polymeric sand actually do a better job of prevention when it comes to organic growth. However, when polymeric sand is not used, your sealant will become more important. Aside from preventing stains and keeping your pavers looking beautiful, certain sealants may also include a polymer additive. As with the polymers in polymeric sand, these special sealants soak into the sand filler and harden once wet.
Prevent
Even with proper drainage, polymeric sand and sealant, organic growth may occur. Prevention, however, is relatively easy. Keep the pavers clean. Sweep away leaves as they fall from trees. After mowing, use a leaf blower to quickly blast away grass particles from your paver surfaces. Every few weeks, hose your paver surface down. Doing so will remove any dirt and debris from the paver surface that could be stuck in small pores. (Most experts recommend you do not use a pressure washer for this as it can remove filler sand or seal coating when set too high.) Hosing your pavers down after a heavy rain is also recommended.
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