Pressure washing is one of the easiest ways to refresh your home’s exterior. From siding to walkways to fences and driveways, a deep clean can make everything look new again. But if you’re not careful, that powerful spray can also wash away soil, flatten your flowers and leave shrubs looking like they were in a storm. Fortunately, there are ways you can pressure wash effectively without harming your landscaping.

Read on to learn essential pressure washing tips every homeowner should know before getting started.

Steer Clear Off Flower Beds and Shrubbery

Whenever you are pressure washing around your home, be mindful of where you spray. It seems so simple, but many people are shocked when one miscalculated move results in their flowers blasted out of their beds and branches blown off shrubs. Pressure washing is powerful to say the least, and it can easily destroy your flowers, shrubs and other vegetation in your yard. Always maintain a clear distance, and turn off the pressure washer if you have to maneuver your stream over plants.

Pre-Soak Plants and Soil

To prevent soil displacement and damage from cleaning solutions, you can spray down plants and soil with clean, fresh water. This will support runoff that helps offset the negative effects from exposure to cleaning agents.

While the goal is to minimize any contact with the cleaning solution as much as possible, it’s often a natural side effect due to the layout of most landscapes. If plants are going to come in contact with runoff from the cleaning, it’s better to have them wet to reduce how much they absorb.

Cover Plants With Tarps

Some plants simply can’t withstand exposure to pressure washing. Laying a plastic tarp over them before cleaning can keep them safe and dry. A physical barrier over flower beds, shrubs and other landscape elements can help reduce chemical exposure and preserve plant health.

Consider adding additional barriers as well, such as plywood boards, to angle water away from soil.

Adjust Your Pressure

Avoid any direct, forceful contact with plants and lawns. When some contact is inevitable, switch to a lower pressure washing setting that can minimize damage. Work methodically, starting as far away from the plants as possible, and angle your stream in a way that limits direct contact as much as possible.

Hire a Professional Pressure Washing Company

Experts know how to protect landscapes without cutting corners on cleaning. Hiring a local experienced team can give you a sparkling new landscape that doesn’t harm your plants.

For professional pressure washing services in Chattanooga, TN, reach out to Global Land Solutions.