Can Pressure Washing Ruin My Landscaping?

Pressure washing is one of the most effective ways to bring the exterior of your home back to life. Whether it's cleaning your siding, driveway, fence, or deck, that powerful blast of water can make a world of difference in a short amount of time. But while you're focusing on restoring your home's surfaces, it's easy to overlook another important element, your landscaping.

Homeowners often ask, 'Can pressure washing ruin my landscaping?' The short answer is yes, it can, but it doesn't have to. With the right precautions, you can protect your plants, soil, and mulch from the potential damage that pressure washing might cause.

Here's what you need to know before you bring out the hose or hire a pro.

Why Landscaping Can Be at Risk

Pressure washing involves water sprayed at high pressure, anywhere from 1,300 to over 3,000 PSI. That kind of force can be tough on delicate plants, erode soil, and scatter mulch across your yard. In addition, some cleaning solutions used during the pressure washing process can contain chemicals that may harm grass, flowers, or shrubs if they aren't properly protected.

You may not notice the damage right away, but a few days after the wash, you could see signs like wilting leaves, brown patches, or dislodged mulch beds.

Common Landscaping Elements That Can Be Affected

1. Plants and Shrubs:

Delicate flowers or leafy shrubs can be snapped, bruised, or even uprooted by the force of the water. Even sturdier plants may suffer if they're in the direct line of fire or exposed to harsh chemicals.

2. Mulch and Decorative Stones:

Mulch can be easily displaced, leaving bare spots that look messy and expose your soil. Small rocks or decorative pebbles may get pushed into places they don't belong, or worse, launched by the pressure.

3. Soil and Garden Beds:

High-pressure water can compact or erode soil, especially in areas near the edge of driveways or patios. This can disrupt drainage and affect root systems.

4. Lawns and Grass Edging:

If you're washing walkways or patios, the grass that borders those areas can get sprayed inadvertently. Too much water or pressure in those spots can create mud pits or kill grass.

How to Protect Your Landscaping Before a Pressure Wash

1. Cover Your Plants

Use lightweight tarps, plastic sheeting, or old sheets to cover nearby plants and shrubs. This is especially important if you're using detergents. Just make sure the covers are secure but breathable so you don't accidentally trap too much heat underneath on a sunny day.

2. Water Your Plants First

It may seem counterintuitive, but giving your plants a good soak before pressure washing can help dilute any chemical runoff and reduce the risk of shock from heat or detergent exposure.

3. Create a Buffer Zone

Use temporary barriers like plywood, cardboard, or even plastic fencing to block direct spray from reaching garden beds or flower pots. This is especially useful if you're working close to the ground.

4. Remove or Weigh Down Mulch

If you're pressure washing an area adjacent to a mulched bed, consider removing the mulch ahead of time and replacing it afterward. If that's not practical, you can weigh down the edges with bricks or boards to keep it from scattering.

5. Mind the Wind

Wind can carry both water and cleaning solution where you don't want it. Check the weather before washing and try to plan your cleaning for a calm day. If you're using any chemicals, the wind can easily blow mist onto nearby plants, even those not in the immediate spray zone.

6. Choose Plant-Safe Detergents

There are eco-friendly and biodegradable detergents made specifically for exterior cleaning. These are much safer for surrounding greenery and pets. Always read labels and, when in doubt, dilute heavily or rinse quickly afterward.

When to Call in a Pro

Doing it yourself can be rewarding, but there's also a risk of causing unintentional damage, especially if you're unfamiliar with how different pressure settings affect various surfaces. A professional pressure washing company will know how to get the job done efficiently while taking steps to protect your landscaping.

They'll typically prep the area beforehand, use the right pressure for each surface, and apply biodegradable solutions when needed. They also know how to avoid overspray and runoff that could affect your garden beds.

Final Thoughts

Pressure washing can make your home look brand new, but if you're not careful, it can leave your landscaping looking like an afterthought. With a little planning and the right precautions, you can have both a sparkling clean home and healthy, thriving greenery.

If you want to ensure your property gets the deep clean it needs without putting your plants and lawn at risk, Sunny's Supreme Services in Manassas, VA, offers professional pressure washing that's mindful of your home and your landscaping. Let the experts handle the dirt, while you enjoy a cleaner, greener yard.