This post was updated on June 9, 2022
Do Deck Stains Harm Plants
Yes, but only when applying! When applying your deck stain it is very important that the stain only gets on the wood that you want to stain. Areas to avoid over spraying and drips during deck stain application are:
- The house siding
- Any glass windows
- Concrete next to and below the deck
- Plants and vegetation
Tips to Avoid Killing Plants with Deck Stain
Cover the plants with plastic drop cloths or poly tarps to avoid over-spray and drips during application. It is very important that you remove the tarps as soon as possible when you are done! Covering plants for more than 30 minutes on a hot day can create immense heat under the tarps and “burn” the leaves.
More Info on Killing Plants Using a Deck Stain
Have a Deck Stain question? Ask in the comments below.
As an article and comment contributor to the site, Scott has been around the pressure washing industry since attending college. In 1993 he started his first company called Oakland Pressure Wash specializing in exterior pressure washing and deck staining. That company evolved into OPW L.L.C. shortly thereafter concentrating more on exterior wood and deck restoration. Scott and his Deck Cleaning Michigan company have restored over 10,000 decks in the Metro Detroit area since the early years. He has become an authority in the deck restoration industry and has contributed to numerous wood restoration forums and informative sites.
All the products he suggests through this site are sold through online sites and in retail stores, allowing the consumer to choose their own means of purchase. Scott’s eCommerce sites do sell many top brands he endorses and if you appreciate any of the help he has offered then feel free to purchase from one of them.
