How to Grow Moss Between Pavers

Moss is one of those things that one person considers a nuisance and another considers attractive, adding to the “country” or “old English” look and feel of a paver installation. Moss generally develops in shaded areas that are slow to dry up after rain. It thrives in damp, dark areas of a patio like underneath a large tree. If you are someone who considers moss something that adds subtle beauty and charm to your patio, we feel it is important to caution you to a few pesky risks that comes with moss before you continue to let it grow or transplant it yourself:

• Jointing sand between pavers is generally meant to keep vegetation out, so by planting moss you essentially compromise this material to give your moss something to grow in.
• Once you let organic material like moss into your joints, it is extremely difficult to get out again. This in itself is something to strongly contemplate before you let moss thrive in an area, or transplant it yourself. As soon as you let it grow, it really does not stop.
• We have heard of several instances where homeowners have let moss grow and it became so bulbous that it became a tripping hazard. Not ideal for a patio or space that you plan to entertain on often or there is lots of foot traffic.
• If you ever grow tired of this look, or plan to use your patio more, the cleanup of moss is very messy, intense and time consuming.

Therefore, we’d really only suggest you grow moss between pavers if your patio is something that is largely decorative and used infrequently. Or, around generously spaced stepping stones rather than in between smaller joints of a patio, walkway or driveway.

With all of these warnings in mind, if moss is still something you’d like to see in your outdoor space, you can follow these directions:

• As mentioned, it is very unlikely that moss will survive in a sunny dry spot, so consider this when picking a spot to grow moss.
• Try looking in wooded areas around your home for moss to transplant – you can do this in fragments by using a shovel, or by liquefying the moss to spread it. If the moss you are transplanting is surrounded by other rotting material, take some of this with it, as this will help the moss to survive.
• Ensure the joints you are adding moss to are free of weeds and fill any empty spaces with soil. Pack the moss firmly between the joints using your shoe, this removes any air pockets which is essential in having it transplanted successfully.
• Water the area well, but do not flood it or you risk the moss being washed away and then continue to water the area daily for 3 weeks until the moss is well-established.