Pressure Washing in Julington Creek: What the Tree Cover Does
Julington Creek homes generally need washing more often than newer St. Johns County communities, often every 12 months rather than 18, because the mature oak canopy that makes the neighbourhood attractive also keeps roofs and north-facing walls permanently shaded and damp. Shade plus Florida humidity is close to ideal for algae, and heavy tree cover also drops leaf litter into gutters year round.
What the canopy costs you
Julington Creek Plantation has some of the best mature landscaping in the county, and the same trees that shade the street shade the roof.
Algae needs moisture, warmth and shade. A roof under oak canopy stays damp for hours longer after rain than one in open sun, so growth that takes two years to show elsewhere shows in one here.
It is also uneven. The shaded slope will streak heavily while the sunny slope looks fine, which is why so many homes here have a roof that looks like two different roofs.
Gutters are the other half
Oak and pine drop year round in Florida rather than in one autumn burst, so gutters fill continuously instead of seasonally.
Pine needles are the worst offender because they mat together and block a downspout completely while the gutter itself still looks passable from the ground.
Homes under real canopy generally need clearing quarterly rather than twice a year. More on the timing in our post on gutter cleaning in Florida.
A schedule for a shaded lot
Annually: house wash, driveway, walkways, screen enclosure.
Every 18 to 24 months: roof soft wash, sooner on the shaded slope.
Quarterly: gutters, if you have oak or pine directly overhead.
Timing matters more under canopy than in the open. A wash done in late autumn holds considerably better than the same wash done in June, because it faces the cooler months first rather than the worst of the growing season.
We work throughout Julington Creek and the surrounding communities. Request a quote or call (904) 506-7656.
Frequently asked questions
Will cleaning damage my mature landscaping?
No, when it is done properly. Beds are wetted before any solution goes on and rinsed again afterwards, which dilutes anything that reaches them. Skipping that step is what damages plants.
Is it worth cleaning the roof if it will just streak again?
Yes, because soft washing kills the growth at the root rather than knocking it off. Under canopy you might get 18 months to two years rather than three, but the alternative is permanent.
Do you clean the fences too?
Yes. Wood fencing under tree cover greens fast and needs low pressure. See our guide to cleaning wood decks and fences.
Related reading
- Pressure Washing in World Golf Village and St. Augustine
- Mold, Mildew or Algae? What Is Actually Growing on Your House
Get a free quote
H2O Pressure Washing serves Saint Johns and the wider St. Johns County area. For a free, fixed-price quote, tell us about your property or call (904) 506-7656.