Do you suffer from algae on tiles, fences and flower pots in the garden? Wait a while with the high-pressure spray, says gardener Bert Moelee of De Tuinexpert. He has a better solution.
1. What exactly is that green deposit?
“Green deposits are algae growth, a natural process. Algae mainly grow on irregular surfaces, where they can easily adhere. You will have less problems with it in the sun, because the algae really likes shade and moist places.”
2. Many people now work in the garden with a high-pressure sprayer. Good idea?
“No, because this removes the top layer of the tiles, making them porous. This will only make the problem worse for the future and the green deposits will grow even more in the autumn and winter.
“If you do use a high-pressure cleaner, you would have to recoat the tiles after such a treatment. Also be careful with such a sprayer for plants that are just starting to grow.”
Also read: Cleaning the patio and garden furniture with the high-pressure cleaner? ‘Start with low pressure’
3. How do you tackle algae?
“There are many remedies on the market, but some work better than others. I use Biomos, a biodegradable agent that works well against moss and algae. You dilute it with water so that it is not harmful. Spray it on the deposit with a plant sprayer. Just run the brush over it, let it soak in, rinse and the deposits are gone.”
The RIVM has even prohibited the use of vinegar, salt and chlorine to remove green algae or moss.
4. What is the effect of home, garden and kitchen products such as vinegar, chlorine, salt and soda?
“It may work, but some of those products are less good for your tiles. Vinegar and chlorine remove the protective layer from your tile.
“Moreover, these products are of course not good for the environment and for your plants. Many people use (natural) vinegar to remove green deposits, but even in low concentrations it can be harmful to plants, flowers, soil organisms and insects.
“That is why the RIVM even prohibits the use of vinegar, but also salt and chlorine, to remove green algae or moss.”
Also read the cleaning tips from cleaning expert Marja Middeldorp: This is how you remove moss or green deposits from the garden tiles
5. Can you prevent green deposits?
“No, but you can think about which material you choose for your garden. Coated tiles, for example, have a smoother top to which algae adhere much less easily. Or choose baked material, such as old paving stones.”
Pruning, sweeping and scrubbing
Drainage
Prevent the growth of green deposits by ensuring good drainage in the garden. This means that no water remains. A dense garden? Prune! This gives the terrace more sunlight. And by regularly sweeping your patio and tiles you also give algae and moss less chance to grow.
Green soap
Green soap is biodegradable and therefore environmentally friendly. Fill a bucket with warm water and a dash of green soap. Pour this over the tiles or spray on the fence and let it soak in for half an hour. Then scrub or brush it and rinse with water. Wear old clothes, because the dirt from the algae causes green splashes.
Be careful of the joints
Are you going to start using the high-pressure sprayer anyway? Be careful not to spray on the joints, as this can cause the stones to become loose.
This article previously appeared on this site and has been updated.
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