Protecting vegetation and plants from cleaning solutions during a softwashing job is important to ensure that they are not harmed. This article will give you tips to protect plants and vegetation.
Protecting vegetation and plants from cleaning solutions during a softwashing job is important to ensure that they are not harmed. Here are a few steps you can take to protect plants and vegetation:
Many operators choose to have one worker onsite whose sole responsibility is to wet vegetation prior to potential overspray and then to rinse vegetation down after potential exposure. This is the best way to ensure that no plants or landscaping is harmed during the operation
In all cases, remember the phrase, “Dilution is the Best Solution”! By heavily diluting cleaning solutions in areas that may have been exposed to overspray, the impact on plants can be dramatically reduced and/or eliminated.
- Cover plants: Cover nearby plants with plastic sheeting or tarps to prevent the cleaning solution from coming into direct contact with the plants. On especially hot days, be careful not to leave plastic sheeting or tarps on vegetation for too long. Heat can build up and be equally harmful.
- Spray down plants with fresh water before and after cleaning: Rinsing the plants before and after the cleaning job can help protect the plant, then remove any residual cleaning solution that may come into contact with the plants. Make sure to water the plants thoroughly to ensure that they are not damaged so that any residual chemical is sufficiently diluted.
- Understand the chemical you are using: When possible, use biodegradable cleaning solutions that will not harm plants or vegetation. This will help reduce the risk of chemical damage to the environment and will be more environmentally friendly.
- Be mindful of gutter run-out zones: Check around the building to understand where any runoff will exit the gutters. In cases where gutters cannot be diverted or terminated in particularly sensitive areas, many companies will either:
- Temporarily install a corrugated pipe to the end of the gutter to route water to a less sensitive area
- “Bag” the gutters. This process entails using thick plastic lay-flat tubing like this. Many people will cut off a section, tie off one end and attach the other to the downspout with a large zip tie.
Consult with a professional: If you're unsure about how to protect plants and vegetation during a softwashing job, consult with a professional. They will be able to provide you with specific guidance and advice on how to protect the plants and vegetation in your particular circumstances.