Green growth such as algae and moss on your garden fence can permanently damage the wood. However, getting rid of it is not as difficult nor as expensive as you might think. A popular home remedy duo can remove algae and moss from wooden fences.
The wooden fence is a popular solution for the natural garden. The material blends seamlessly into an environment with trees, flowers and bushes and increases the visual value of the outdoor area. Anyone who constantly strives for a beautiful and well-kept garden will not like a fence covered in green growth. Not to mention, this can cause the wood to rot. It is therefore important that the algae and moss are removed from the wooden fence in a timely manner and that it is returned to its original condition.
Why is my fence turning green?
Spring, when the garden awakens from its winter slumber, is a busy time for gardeners. A lot of tidying up and cleaning work is currently due that occurred during the cold season. One of them is the cleaning of green depositsin many parts of the gardencan be found.
Algae and mosses can grow on almost any outdoor surface under the right conditions and are particularly common on damp wood. If left untreated, the slimy green substance can quickly overgrow entire areas. However, there are some ways to remove them without damaging your garden fence.
Cheap home remedies instead of expensive cleaners to combat green deposits
You can find special green growth removers in any well-stocked hardware store or garden center. And while these remedies are effective, there are also cheaper and more environmentally friendly alternatives that work just as well, if not better. You should also keep in mind that chemical moss removers can harm the plants and soil around the fence. So all the more reasons to avoid them.
Clean the wooden fence with baking soda and vinegar
There is a cheaper and easier way to clear the fence of the green spots that moss and algae form. To do this you need two well-known home remedies that almost all of us have at home:white vinegarand baking soda. The vinegar is a mild acid that can kill bacteria and fungi, and the baking soda acts like an abrasive that can be used to scrub away the accumulated dirt. The combination of both is the only solution you need to clean the wooden fence after winter.
Cleaning solution recipe:
- 2 parts white vinegar
- 1 part hot water
- 3 tablespoons baking soda
⇒ Mix everything in a spray bottle and shake well. Alternatively, you can pour the solution into a paint tray and apply it to the green surface with a brush.
Directions:
- Apply the homemade cleaner to the green areas of the fence.
- Leave on for about 30 minutes.
- Scrub away the algae and moss with a scrub brush or root brush.
- Rinse with a little water from the garden hose.
How to remove algae and moss from wood with a high-pressure cleaner?
Another well-known method for cleaning wooden fences is the high-pressure cleaner. But whether it is really good for the material is controversial. The pressure forces the water and therefore extra moisture deep into the wood. This can permanently damage the porous wood surface. If you want to be on the safe side, do not use a pressure washer on your wooden fence.
How to prevent the formation of green deposits?
When it comes to moss, algae and other green substances, it is always advisable to prevent their formation. You can do this, for example, by impregnating the wooden fence. This protects the boards from re-infestation and can be done every year or as needed.
For this purpose, allow the wooden fence to dry completely after cleaning. This can take up to a few days. Make sure the weather is as dry as possible. After the fence is clean and dry, paint it with a high-quality glaze that forms a water-repellent protective layer. The impregnation means that moisture can no longer penetrate the wood surface and discoloration or rotting of the wood is prevented.
Important: Always paint and impregnate the wooden fenceafterof cleaning. Do not apply a glaze directly to the green covering as this will seal in the moisture within the wood and can lead to rot.
