How to get rid of lichen on paving and paths

Lichen is one of the most stubborn things you'll ever find growing on outdoor surfaces. Unlike moss, which you can often brush away once it dries out, lichen actually bonds itself to stone, concrete and paving at a microscopic level. If you want to know how to get rid of lichen on paving and paths properly — not just shift it for a season — this guide covers what works, what doesn't, and when it's worth calling in a professional.

Why lichen is so much harder to remove than moss

Moss sits on top of a surface. Lichen is different — it's a combination of fungi and algae living together, and the fungal part physically anchors itself into the surface it grows on. On soft natural stone like limestone or sandstone, lichen can actually etch tiny pits into the face of the slab as it feeds.

This is why a pressure washer alone rarely solves the problem. You can blast the visible growth away and the surface will look clean — but the root-like structures (called rhizines) are still in place, and within a few months the lichen has regrown, often thicker than before.

In Lincolnshire, we see a lot of lichen on north-facing paths, shaded patios in older gardens, and on natural stone driveways — particularly in villages like Nettleham and Welton where mature trees keep surfaces damp for much of the year.

What lichen actually looks like

It helps to know what you're dealing with. Lichen comes in a few different forms:

• Crustose lichen — flat, crusty patches that look almost painted onto the stone. Often grey, orange, yellow or black. Very firmly attached.
• Foliose lichen — slightly leafy or layered, a bit easier to lift than crustose.
• Fruticose lichen — bushy or hair-like, less common on paving.

The orange and black varieties are particularly noticeable on light-coloured stone patios and can look alarming, but they're all the same basic problem.

The right way to remove lichen from paving

Step 1: Apply a proper biocidal treatment

A dedicated biocidal patio or path cleaner — one that contains active ingredients such as benzalkonium chloride or similar — is the starting point. Apply it diluted according to the label, let it dwell on the surface (usually 30–60 minutes for heavy lichen growth), and allow the lichen to die back. Don't rush this stage.

Avoid using bleach or cheap household cleaners on natural stone. They can strip colour, leave tide marks and don't penetrate the surface the way a proper biocide does. See our patio cleaning guides for more on choosing the right products for different surface types.

Step 2: Pressure wash at the right pressure

Once the biocide has done its work, pressure washing removes the dead growth. The key word here is right pressure — on softer stones like Indian sandstone or limestone, too high a PSI will erode the surface. On harder surfaces like concrete slabs or granite, you have more latitude.

A rotating or turbo nozzle gives better results than a fan jet for stubborn patches, but keep it moving and don't dwell in one spot.

Step 3: A second pass if needed

Thick, old lichen — the kind that's been building up for years on a neglected path — often needs a second application of biocide and a second wash. It's more time-consuming, but trying to rush it with brute water pressure just damages the surface without fully solving the problem.

Surfaces that need special care

• Sandstone and limestone — porous and soft; low-pressure washing only, acid-free treatments
• Porcelain — very hard and non-porous, but grout lines can harbour lichen; standard biocides work well
• Block paving — lichen often grows in the joints; re-sanding after cleaning helps prevent re-colonisation
• Concrete paths — more robust, but old concrete can be friable; don't assume high pressure is always fine

If you're not sure what your surface is made of, it's worth getting a professional opinion before you start — especially on older natural stone that could be damaged by the wrong treatment.

Why does lichen keep coming back?

Lichen thrives where surfaces stay damp and shaded. The single best thing you can do after a thorough clean is apply a surface sealant — this reduces the porosity of the stone, making it harder for lichen and algae to get a foothold. In consistently shaded spots around Skellingthorpe and Branston, we often recommend an annual application of a path and patio biocide as a preventative, rather than waiting until the problem returns visibly.

Improving drainage and cutting back overhanging trees or shrubs to let more light and airflow onto the surface also makes a meaningful difference over time.

When to call a professional

DIY lichen removal is entirely possible for small areas and straightforward surfaces. But if you're dealing with:

• A large area of heavy lichen growth
• Valuable or delicate natural stone that you don't want to risk
• Lichen that has returned repeatedly despite your own efforts
• Surfaces where you're not confident about the right pressure or products

…then it's worth getting a professional in. We work across Lincolnshire — from Lincoln itself out to smaller villages — and we see all kinds of surface and all stages of lichen growth. We have the right equipment, the right treatments and the experience to get it right without causing damage.

Take a look at our full range of services or check whether we cover your area to find out more.

Ready to get your paving looking clean again?

If lichen has taken hold on your patio, path or driveway, we're happy to take a look and give you a straightforward quote. No obligation, no hard sell — just an honest assessment and a fair price.

Request a free quote and we'll be in touch promptly.

Frequently asked questions

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Need a hand with yours? We cover Lincolnshire for patios, driveways, paths and more — see the areas we cover or browse our services. Get a free quote or call 07874 010739.