Glyphosate Safe On Moss On Flags

Glyphosate is normally used as a safe systemic weedkiller which is inactivated on contact with the soil. It is supposed to be very safe to all animals (including us) and can, apparently, be used around fish ponds without damaging the fish.

What I didn't know, however, is that it also works on moss - Moss on the flags that is, NOT ON THE LAWN.

Of course, it will work on the lawn, but because it is non-selective it would also kill the grass - and we don't want that (not after all the years I've spend keeping it alive!).

I always have a problem with moss growing on some shady flags, because the birds use it for nesting. And by the time they have finished, the season is nearly over. Consequently, moss builds up year by year.

WHAT ABOUT TEMPERATURE
As outlined elsewhere, glyphosate is extremely good on all sorts of weeds. However, it works best in warm weather, usually in late April or early May when the weeds are growing actively. Of course, the moss is growing now; so I have treated a small patch to see how it goes. About 8 hours of dry weather is needed so that it doesn't get washed off before it can be absorbed.

BEGINNERS NOTE:
'Tumbleweed' and 'Roundup' are trade names for glyphosate in the U.K. But you needn't use a brand name; you can use a cheaper generic brand. Look at the label, usually the front one. Glyphosate will be stated as the ACTIVE INGREDIENT, along with its strength. The cheapest way is to buy the concentrate, make it up yourself and apply with a hand sprayer (e.g. old kitchen cleaner spray).

ALWAYS USE RUBBER GLOVES WHEN USING WEEDKILLERS AND PESTICIDES, no matter how safe they are supposed to be - they can be absorbed through the skin!