What to Do If Your Sidewalk Turns Green After Winter in Olympia
If your sidewalk looks green and slippery in the spring, you're not alone. This is a super common issue for homeowners in Olympia, Lacey, and Shelton. After a long, damp winter, algae and moss grow fast especially on shady or tree-lined streets like those in Eastside Olympia or neighborhoods near Capitol Lake.
That green stuff isn’t just ugly - it’s slippery, too. We get calls every year from folks who’ve slipped or had someone fall walking up to their porch.
Here’s what we suggest:
- Take a look at your sidewalks and driveways after a rainy week.
- If they feel slick or look green, it’s time for a cleaning.
- Don’t try using bleach from the store, it doesn’t soak in deep enough to stop the regrowth.
We use a pressure washer with a surface cleaner that removes the buildup and gets into the tiny cracks where moss hides. We also use a mild treatment to slow down regrowth, especially in shady areas like those in Tumwater or Yelm.
You don’t have to wait until summer. We clean sidewalks all year. Just give us a dry window in the weather and we’ll get it done.