How to Remove Green Algae from a Wooden Fence
It's not unusual to find moss and algae on wooden garden fences, and this doesn't necessarily indicate an unkempt garden full of weeds and fungus. But don't worry; there are a few simple, affordable, and efficient techniques to get rid of the green dirt from your fence.
How to get green algae off fence?
There are two easy and effective ways to get rid of algae and moss on your fence:
- Pressure washers - excellent for removing persistent growths that occur in your garden.
- Hand scrubbing - although more time consuming compared to a pressure washer, hand scrubbing the algae away can be extremely rewarding.
Using a pressure washer
The first step is to cut and secure any plants that are growing close to the fence before covering them with tarpaulin. Set the power washer to low pressure, then start hosing it down while standing 2 feet (0.6 metres) away. Before checking it for any algae left, let the fence air dry.
If you see any, combine one part bleach to two parts water in a bucket without stirring. Don’t forget to put on some safety gloves! Circularly rubbing the green stains with a scrub brush can remove them. Repeat the pressure washing to get rid of any leftover grime after you're certain the spots have disappeared.
Hand scrubbing
Repeat step one from the pressure washer technique – cut and secure your plants and cover them in tarpaulin. Then put on safety gloves and combine two parts warm water and one part bleach with one teaspoon of mild detergent (one to each litre of water in the bucket). Scrub the moss-covered surfaces with a brush until the green spots have disappeared.
After the stains have been removed, rinse the fence with clean water; a garden hose would be the handiest tool for this. When sanding any rough spots, be sure to allow it to air dry.
If the stains are gone and the fence is nice and dry, you may use a wide paintbrush to apply wood preserve to bring the fence back to its fresh condition.
Can I paint over green algae on fence?
Many believe that covering up the green algae on their fence with paint is a simple and fast fix. This is not the case, though. Painting over green algae on fence will restore the appearance, but it won't eliminate the contamination at its source.
If you have any questions regarding fencing upkeep, do not hesitate to contact our friendly team here.
