Spring Pollen and Dirt: Tips for Keeping Your Terrace and Yard Clean
Pollen, algae, and road dust quickly dirty terraces and yards in spring. This article offers practical advice for cleaning and maintaining different surfaces to prevent long-term grime.
In spring, when birch and pine trees begin to release pollen, a yellowish layer forms on terrace and yard surfaces. In dry and windy weather, road dust adds to the mix, while damp areas promote algae and moss growth. To maintain cleanliness, cleaning methods must be tailored to the material.
Different Approaches for Different Surfaces
Wooden boards are most sensitive. Use an oxalic acid-based wood cleaner, then lightly sand with 80–120 grit sandpaper, and apply terrace oil twice a season – in spring and mid-summer. Aggressive wire brushes can damage softwood. For composite (WPC) boards, soapy water and a soft brush suffice; greasy stains can be removed with dish soap. Stone and concrete can handle stronger agents, but avoid acid on limestone.
When Manual Cleaning Isn't Enough
For stubborn dirt like dried pollen or years-old algae, a pressure washer is recommended. Stone and concrete surfaces can tolerate 120–150 bar at 20–30 cm distance, while wood requires reduced pressure of 40–60 bar and a distance of 30–40 cm. A fan nozzle is safer, while a rotating point nozzle (turbo) is best for concrete. Direct the spray along the board length, and apply a cleaning agent to algae 10–15 minutes before washing.
Garden Furniture and Yard Care
After winter, wooden garden furniture should be wiped, sanded, and oiled; rust spots on metal parts can be treated with sandpaper or rust converter. Weeds in paving joints can be controlled with boiling water, while oil stains on concrete should first be covered with cat litter or cement powder, then washed with an alkaline cleaner. Gutters and downpipes need cleaning in autumn and spring to prevent algae on walls. Green growth on fences and exterior walls can be removed with low pressure and a fungicide.
Regular light maintenance, such as weekly rinsing during pollen season, prevents the buildup of tough layers. Oiling, topping up joint sand, and cleaning gutters are also crucial. If the terrace feels smooth and dry under bare feet in the morning, spring chores have been done right.
