Environmentally friendly roof moss removal - Ask Extension
My 2 1/2 year old asphalt shingle roof is beginning to accumulate a bit of moss. I would like to apply an environmentally friendly agent every year or...
Knowledgebase
Environmentally friendly roof moss removal #761548
Asked July 13, 2021, 3:47 PM EDT
My 2 1/2 year old asphalt shingle roof is beginning to accumulate a bit of moss. I would like to apply an environmentally friendly agent every year or so to prevent accumulation. All of my downspouts go into the required percolating rain garden which is planted with tall grasses. I do not want to damage the grasses nor pollute our ground water and rivers.
Can you recommend a safe product to prevent roof moss accumulation while keeping the environment clean and safe ?
Thank you.
Multnomah County Oregon
Expert Response
I suspect you don't want the zinc sulfate that is commonly used throughout the area. Potassium salts of fatty acids is an alternative. These soap-based biodegradable products kill moss by penetrating the cell walls and changing the membranes so that the cells leak and the moss dies. These products are noncorrosive and pose minimal risk to humans and animals. As always, avoid overspraying adjacent plants, and rinse any plants that are accidentally treated. Thoroughly rinse any tools or equipment used to apply these chemicals. You can learn more with this publication we have written:
https://catalog.extension.oregonstate.edu/pnw733
https://catalog.extension.oregonstate.edu/pnw733