In the same way that you protect your plants from frost during the cold, you also want to protect them from paint spillage or other harmful chemicals during a home restoration project. Barry Toutman, technical advisor for the National Association of Landscape Professionals, gives some tips on how to prepare your plants for what’s to come in these situations.
To start, you should tie up or trim back all greenery, making sure to leave a foot or so of space between the house and the plants. The reason this gap is so important is because you don’t want painters to be scratched by overgrown branches, and it takes up to thirty days for paint to fully cure—meaning any shrubs, bushes, or trees brushing against the siding could cause abrasions and ruin the new finish. What would be the point of a well-done project if it gets damaged soon after?
On a similar note, it’s vital to remove any lawn ornaments that could obstruct a job, such as garden gnomes, hoses, or patio furniture. These can get damaged or create tripping hazards in the middle of a project, and no one wants that.
After the preliminary steps are taken, you should focus on rinsing down the plants. A light layer of moisture makes it harder for paint overspray or dust to stick to them and helps keep them hydrated. However, avoid soaking the ground, as muddy soil makes it harder for scaffolding and ladders to remain stable—keep the water to the leaves themselves.
Avoid chemical damage caused by solvents, paints, or cleaners by covering your plants with a lightweight, light-colored, breathable drop cloth. Be sure you don’t use clear plastic tarps for this, though, because they will lead to rapid heat buildup and bake your plants. Also, don’t leave the tarps over plant material for any extended period of time, since they require sunlight. You can remove the coverings as soon as the workday is finished and recover them the following morning.
Finally, shutting down an automated irrigation system until the paint dries is also a good idea, just to be certain that your house doesn’t get splashed with sprinkler water.
While Pro Painters doesn’t do landscaping work, we would be more than happy to help with your Houston exterior painting. We also offer a plethora of other Houston painting services, including power washing and roof coating, if your exterior needs a full refresher. Just reach out to us for a fresh, beautiful home!
