Keeping the exterior surfaces of your home or business clean is crucial for its overall upkeep and aesthetic appeal. Pressure washing is the most effective method for cleaning exterior, such as siding, windows, gutters, and roofing, but what about the flowers nearby? It’s essential to protect your plants and foliage from potential damage during the process as it’s quite the high-pressure water flying towards them.
Here’s our comprehensive guide on how to safeguard your plants when pressure washing:
Understanding the Risks to Plants
Before delving into protective measures, it’s essential to understand the potential risks posed to plants during pressure washing:
1. Damage from High-Pressure Water
Bruised leaves, broken stems, cut-up flowers and buds are some of the damages pressure washing can cause your flower beds. Especially if you have mostly plats with tender foliage and young seedlings, which is most garden flowers.
2. Chemical Exposure
Sometimes depending on the condition of the surface, chemicals can be used when pressure washing exterior surfaces. Naturally, any chemicals are harmful to nearby plants regardless of their kind. Some symptoms of chemical exposure are discolouration, chemical burns, and stunted growth.
3. Soil Erosion
The powerful water stream can also dislodge the soil around the roots which then leads to erosion. In these circumstances, the soil is destabilised, and the plants can’t absorb their nutrients. Not to mention that leaving roots exposed to sunlight can be another damage to some shrubs and flowers.
4. Temperature Fluctuations
Whether hot or cold water is used for pressure washing the temperature changes near the flowers and shrubs can cause them stress. Sudden temperature changes can disrupt their cellular function and lead to leaf scorch or wilting.
Tips for Protecting Plants During Pressure Washing
1. Conduct a Plant Inventory
First, go and check out what flowers are near the surfaces to be cleaned. Identify the vulnerable ones, if any. Think about which of the above-listed damages are most likely to happen to your plants.
2. Prune Overhanging Branches
If you have shrubs near the to-be-cleaned surface, you can trim and prune protruding branches. This way you will make pressure washing easier and will keep the shrubs safe.
3. Water Plants Thoroughly
Water your plants well before the pressure washing service because well-hydrated plants are healthier and stronger and less susceptible to damage caused by chemical burns or dislodged soil. It helps your plants better withstand environmental stress.
4. Cover Delicate Plants
If you happen to have delicate, young or flowering plants near the patio to be cleaned, you should cover them with breathable materials such as horticulture fleece or burlap. Whichever you use it will shield the delicate flowers from the high water pressure. Also, be sure to secure the coverings but not too tight or you will damage the plants.
5. Use Biodegradable Cleaning Solutions
Check with the service provider whether they use biodegradable and plant-safe solutions for pressure washing. They are less likely to cause serious damage to your plants. If possible, you can request them to either find biodegradable or not use any chemicals at all.
6. Direct Water Away from Plants
One of the important things you can do to keep your plants safe is to deter the water residue away from the plants. The spray and the residue filthy water and possible chemicals will most likely go straight into your flower beds. So think of ways you can deter the water flow away from the plants. You can also request the professionals to try to use a lower pressure setting to minimise the impact on nearby plants.
7. Create Physical Barriers
You can also try to place physical barriers in front of plants. Anything would do as they won’t have much contact with the plants. You can use plastic sheets or plywood, whatever you can find basically. Such a barrier will protect the plants from the spray. Just make sure they are securely anchored.
8. Monitor Soil Erosion
Inspect the soil around plants during pressure washing to ensure there is no excessive erosion. If erosion occurs, replant soil and reinforce it with mulch or ground cover to stabilise the area and prevent further damage.
9. Rinse Plants Thoroughly
After pressure washing is complete, thoroughly rinse plants and surrounding soil with clean water to remove any residual cleaning solutions and prevent chemical buildup. Pay special attention to foliage and undersides of leaves.
Professional Assistance and Consultation
Experienced pressure-washing professionals can assess your landscape, recommend suitable protective measures, and execute the cleaning process safely and effectively. You can always discuss the possibilities and request safer pressure washing methods for your home. After all, your garden is important, and you’ve worked hard on it.
Conclusion
With careful planning pressure washing can enhance the appearance of your home or business without damaging your precious plants. By understanding the risks, implementing protective measures, and seeking professional guidance when needed, you can ensure that your plants remain vibrant and thriving while giving your property a thorough clean. Protecting your plants during pressure washing is essential for preserving the health and beauty of your landscaping.
