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Getting green off garden wall

Mr. Vine EyeMr. Vine Eye Posts: 2,334
in Problem solving
Hi, our new neighbours killed the ivy from their side that was growing up and over onto our garden wall.

since it's gone a long stalactite shaped area of green algae/mossy stuff has formed on the surface of the bricks from the top of the wall down to near the bottom. It looks really ugly.

Ive tried searching online for ways to remove it but they all involve a power washer (I don't have one - and some of the bricks are quite soft so wouldn't want to risk it) or harsh chemicals like bleach which obviously I don't want to use as there's soil and plants below.

Are there any home remedy, garden/plant friendly ways of removing it?

Ive tried scrubbing with a brush and water and using sand paper but no good.

Thanks!
East Yorkshire
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Posts

  • Hostafan1Hostafan1 Posts: 34,046
    if you don't hold the nozzle right up against the brick , it'd be fine. Start further away and just get close enough to get rid of the green, but cause no damage. 
    Hire shops will probably hire them out for about 4 hours for a sensible price, if you can't borrow one from a friend.
    Devon.
  • Mr. Vine EyeMr. Vine Eye Posts: 2,334
    Actually that's just reminded me that my Father-in-Law has one!

    Thanks Hostafan
    East Yorkshire
  • Hostafan1Hostafan1 Posts: 34,046
    Mr. Vine Eye said:
    Actually that's just reminded me that my Father-in-Law has one!

    Thanks Hostafan
     ;) 
    Devon.
  • wild edgeswild edges Posts: 9,342
    There are spray on products that kill algae without (apparently) effecting surrounding plants. I have to use this stuff on my render and it works very well. If you have a soft brick you can then apply a breathable waterproof coating to protect the bricks.
    Tradition is just peer pressure from dead people
  • cornellycornelly Posts: 970
    Armillatox is good for removing algae, spray on, won't harm plants below.
  • RubytooRubytoo Posts: 1,323
    edited January 2019
    Pressure washer make such a mess. Low effort true. But you end up with whatever you blast off all over plants and the area and you.
     I find stiff brush and clean water usually gets it you just have to go over it a couple of times, and end up with a more localized mess.

    But.
    I would not use any brick sealants or wet them if they are soft in this weather. If they get wet and freeze they might blow and will get damaged.
    I would be inclined to leave it for now I know it is not nice if unsightly and you like things neat. It would be a shame to ruin them and have to spend (plant buying :D) funds repairing for want of a few months wait.
  • Gail_68Gail_68 Posts: 38
    edited January 2019
    Hi @Mr. Vine Eye We've use this form of cleaner for our slabs and we had moss trying to grow on our drive from the neighbours drive and my hubby sprinkled it along the boarder and it's burnt the moss out and you can see what it does to slabs after five minutes of brushing it in then jet blasting it away. :)





  • Lizzie27Lizzie27 Posts: 11,157
    What's behind the wall Mr Vine eyes?  A stalactite formation sounds like a damp drip to me, is there anything on top the wall or behind it that could be causing such a stain? Unless you can ascertain the cause, you might find it constantly reappearing. Personally I wouldn't use a power washer, as the others have said they do make an awful mess.
    North East Somerset - Clay soil over limestone
  • LynLyn Posts: 21,875
    @Mr. Vine Eye I sent you PM 🙂
    Gardening on the wild, windy west side of Dartmoor. 

  • Hostafan1Hostafan1 Posts: 34,046
    IMHO ,if you use a pressure washer properly, you don't have to make a mess. It just takes a bit of practice and a bit of patience.
    Devon.
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