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Will roof cleaning kill my plants?

I used vinegar 16 litres to kill moss on roof tiles, I tried to disconnect down pipe so water would flow in bin underneath and not end up in the soil, as my drain pipe is supposed to drain onto street but it's broken and obviously goes into the front lawn soil, I put the vinegar on roof mixed with detergent with a garden weed sprayer, I blocked the gutter that I didn't want any vinegar and detergent to go down drain but then when I finished I unblocked gutter, I didn't hose off roof as I want the vinegar to stay on roof a couple of days, im hoping I haven't damaged the lilly pilly hedge I'm trying to grow by having vinegar leach into the soil, maybe I should by lime and add to soil? I probably shouldn't have bothered with this diy fail in the first place. I have watered the plants to wash any vinegar away if it is there, ill try to remove down pipes to finish this diy roof clean so the run off goes in bin not garden. I didn't use bleach for this reason as I dont want dead plants and the roof tiles are old so water pressire may damage them more.

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Comments

EricL

Hello @gene

Yes, spilled cleaning vinegar can harm or even kill plants, especially if it has a high acetic acid concentration. Cleaning vinegar typically contains 6% acetic acid, which is stronger than household vinegar and can damage plant tissue on contact. Acetic acid dehydrates and destroys plant cells, so if cleaning vinegar is spilled directly on plants, it can burn the leaves, stems, and even the roots, depending on the amount spilled.

If you accidentally spill cleaning vinegar on your plants, it’s best to rinse the area with plenty of water to dilute the vinegar as much as possible. This may help minimize damage to the plants and reduce the acidity of the soil in the affected area. If you manage to dilute the vinegar your plant roots may be strong enough to recover.

In regards to adding lime and topsoil, it can help neutralize the acidity from spilled vinegar and restore balance to the affected soil. Lime, or calcium carbonate, is commonly used to raise soil pH and make it less acidic, which can counteract the acidic effects of vinegar. However, it’s important to apply lime sparingly, as too much can make the soil overly alkaline, which could harm plants. Lightly sprinkle a small amount of lime on the affected area, mix it gently into the soil, and water thoroughly to help it penetrate.

Adding a layer of fresh topsoil can also help dilute any residual vinegar and provide fresh nutrients and organic matter. Spread a thin layer over the area and work it into the surface. Using lime and topsoil together should help balance the soil but continue to water the area thoroughly to further dilute any lingering vinegar. Keep an eye on your plants for signs of stress, and add more lime or soil as needed, testing the pH if possible, to avoid over-correcting.

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric

Jewelleryrescue

Hi @gene

Follow @EricL advice re protecting you plants the lilly pilly is farly robust plant so I am looking for it to survive.

Water dilution will help flush it through the soil away from the roots all going well

But I am here re your roof I highly recommend you have it painted with high qualitly nu tech Australian Paint it will go along way to saving you tiles from crumbling into dust. If you are spraying them a pressure wash it will discolor your roof tiles but new paint will fix that as well as sealing them for another 12 years.

Beware of super low cost roof painter swindlers they use basic paints and low preparation. Also beware once you start looking at your roof the odds are many of the ridge capes will need re cementing and repointing before painting extra ie extra costs.

So a $6000 job possibly.

Or buy in some second hand roof tiles in your style to replace failing ones. Is cheaper option leeding to a patch color roof but functional

gene

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/44058#Comment_44058

Thankyou.

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