rock wall maintanance

[unknownjulie]

It would seem that I have about 600 ft of rock walls surrounding and sectioning off my property. they are black with lichen/moss and various other things growing from them. In ACE I did notice various solutions for getting rid of this stuff. It seems like it is degrading the walls to have so much stuff growing on them. Any opinions? Should I leave it alone? What should I use to clear all the crap? I would guess the walls to be about 50 yrs old. Mahalo!

[rainyjim]

Bleach would probably kill it - so could spray some of that on it. Also maybe a torch attached to a propane tank go out and burn it away - can be hard because its so wet all the time.

Personally - I'd scrape it off with a trowel and save for media for air layering cuttings. IF I thought it was really an issue more likely I'd think it was cool and looked "hobbit-like" and let it be - but it's your situation and I haven't seen what it looks like. Sounds like a great place though julie.

[dayna]

I clear the moss off my rock wall by hand (and use it for hydroponic lettuce growing media). So unless you think it's really damaging the rock wall I'd let it be and use it!

Dayna

http://www.FarmingAloha.com
www.E-Z-Caps.com

[dragon2k]

Fifty years old... That mossy growth might just be holding it all up!! JK, JK.

Nothing left to do but
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[unknownjulie]

Oh, these are great ideas! I never really thought of trying to "harvest it". Unfortunately, the walls are past the point of "looking cool". They are more at the point of being in danger of disintegrating. This house, at one time, must have been some kind of "estate" or something. All these planting beds must have looked incredible when the house was in it's prime.