As the weather gets sunnier more people will be spending time in their gardens, and will likely begin to notice their fences need cleaning after being neglected in winter.
Fences need upkeep, whether it’s painting your fence, removing ivy from your fence or getting algae and green stains off your fence. Algae and other green stains are likely to build up on wooden fences over time, and if left unchecked can cause wood to begin decaying or rotting.
It can be tempting to paint over your fence to rid of green stains, but this will not clean away algae, and using expensive products can contain harmful chemicals that can damage nearby plants or flowers.
Luckily, the experts at East Coast Fencing have shared you can easily keep algae away using a simple cleaning solution made up of warm water and vinegar.
They said: “One of the most effective and eco-friendly methods to remove green algae from fence posts is by using a mixture of white vinegar and water. The acidity in white vinegar acts as a natural disinfectant that kills the algae without causing harm to the surrounding plants or soil.”
READ MORE: How to clean your fence without a pressure washer
It is also possible to remove the algae from wood using boiling water, but you need to be careful when handling the water so it does not damage grass or any part of your garden.
The expert said: “Pouring boiling water directly onto the algae can effectively kill it. This method is simple and does not involve chemicals, making it safe for the environment.
“However, care should be taken to avoid burns and to ensure the hot water does not damage plant roots or beneficial insects in the vicinity.”
However, the easiest natural solution to prevent algae growth is to take precautions now and install copper wire along your fencing, which can help waterproof your fence.
The expert explained: “When rainwater hits the copper, it releases ions that are toxic to algae, stopping it from growing. This method offers a long-term solution but requires some initial setup and expense.”
These solutions will keep your fence looking its best during the warmer months and stop fence algae from being a nuisance for the rest of the year.
