I recently killed off a fairly large bush that was near a downspout. A day after cleaning we had a light rain and I suspect there was not enough water in the rain to dilute the mixture enough. I have also burned the grass over the roof drip lines (even after using bleach wash) and I started thinking......What if I sprinkled "Bleach-Stop" in the gutters or even sprinkled it along the drip lines prior to shooting a roof?
Has anyone tried such a thing and have any results they can report?
Zach Maynard said
May 25, 2014
Bleach wash is not made for that purpose. You would want plant wash for this.
Huey Miller said
May 25, 2014
Doug
I think that product stops the oxidation process which stops the bleaching of fabrics. I don't think it will neutralize the salt which damages the plants.
we have done what you are thinking about with plant wash. Sprinkled it in gutters and on the ground at the downspout after our normal plant wash rinse. Don't know if it works......but no dead plants or grass, so figure it's like chicken soup , it can't hurt.
Brandon Vaughn said
May 25, 2014
Agree - we will pre-wet plants with plant wash, rinse with them during and flood after if there are large amounts that will affect plant life below. Plant wash neutralizes the bleach AND restores the bacteria in the soil that the bleach kills.
Doug G said
May 25, 2014
So am I doing harm by using bleach wash to cut the bleach on plants?
After I shoot and rinse I go back and spray bleach wash then follow up with miracle grow (only used miracle grow because it's readily accessible).
FYI....Doug Rucker suggested using gypsum pellets.
Brandon Vaughn said
May 25, 2014
Doug, you are not doing any harm in using Bleach Wash. It just doesn't have as strong of neutralizing properties like Plant wash does. Bleach wash is great for windows, siding, metal, cedar, rinsing out your pump at the end of the day etc. and neutralizing bleach on non-organics. Plant wash is specifically for organics.
For instance, you could accidentally put an ounce of Bleach wash in your SH mix and probably be fine. With Plant Wash, an ounce would make your entire tank toast.
Just a side note - you've got to be careful with using Miracle-Gro or other generic garden fertilizers. There are plants, such as Japanese Lace Leaf Maples that will die if you feed them garden variety fertilizers - too much nitrogen. Found this out the hard way.... those trees are not cheap to replace.
John Aloisio said
May 26, 2014
When a bush is at the bottom of a downspout, we use a product called rain drain 1000. We divert it, explain to the homeowner why we are doing it, and tell them to leave it on for a minimum of two good rains. After that they can rip it off and throw it i away. Haven't had an issue since we started using it.
Also, plant wash has some different properties tan just plain Miracle grow. If you are not going to use plant wash, you are better off saving your money and just flooding the plants. We also use pelletized gypsum sometimes. Like around rose bushes ans nice grass. Only thing we do different is mix it 1:1 a with dehydrated cow manure. the cow manure puts the good bacteria back in the soil.
Doug G said
May 26, 2014
Great info guys.....Thanks!
I had planned on ordering plant wash.....guess I'll do it now......:}
AC Lockyer said
May 26, 2014
Doug,
I know you took the Plant & Property protection module and passed the test. It surprises me that you hadn't ordered Plant Wash yet. I'd go back and review that module because this question is well covered there.
AC
Gary P Gelatt said
May 26, 2014
If you are using CH on the roof, is the plant wash still as critical?
Brandon Vaughn said
May 26, 2014
Gary, although CH is not as hard on plants, the bleach can still kill the good bacteria in the soil. It may not have the salt which will kill it by itself, but still use your plant protection techniques. I have caused plant damage from CH - and it was because I got careless because "I was using CH".
Alejandro Riojas said
May 29, 2014
I don't know what the deal is with my plant wash. I've killed the same amount with or without plant wash. I have 2 tubs and I just stopped using it after having the same affect.
Tim Teed said
May 29, 2014
ou really need a photo to see what caused plant to die. Some plants ore more succeptable to damage, it may have been a disease or fungus etc.
Zach Maynard said
May 29, 2014
Alejandro you may need to water more. The Plant wash is just a part of the equation not a be all end all that will save plants. If the chems havent been diverted, diluted and decontaminated the plant wash wont have a shot.
AC Lockyer said
May 29, 2014
Alejandro Riojas wrote:
I don't know what the deal is with my plant wash. I've killed the same amount with or without plant wash. I have 2 tubs and I just stopped using it after having the same affect.
Why didn't you call me to ask why?
AC
Gary P Gelatt said
May 29, 2014
So staying on this Subject....I have a complex of duplexes I am bidding on. They are being cautious about the plant/grass damage around the downspouts. Along with our initial treatments...is it feasible to come back a week after service and retreat with Plant Wash? If so, since we are talking 28 buildings...can this re-treatment be done via a pump up sprayer?
Doug G said
May 29, 2014
AC Lockyer wrote:
Doug,
I know you took the Plant & Property protection module and passed the test. It surprises me that you hadn't ordered Plant Wash yet. I'd go back and review that module because this question is well covered there.
AC
To be honest there were several people who said not to buy it......I really want to obtain the (probably) impossible rate of a zero kill and only minimal grass burns.
I will be giving it a try AC. I'm on vacation and will order some just before I go home.
Alejandro Riojas said
May 30, 2014
Zach Maynard wrote:
Alejandro you may need to water more. The Plant wash is just a part of the equation not a be all end all that will save plants. If the chems havent been diverted, diluted and decontaminated the plant wash wont have a shot.
Oh trust me we water the crap outta the plants and grass. Then I come back and re water them when im done. It really hasn't been bad its the ocassional grass here and plant there. But summers coming and we have been getting hit already with 100+degree weather which might result in more plant damage. the good thing customers don't complain even though I offer plant and grass replacement for free , they replace it themselves and still refer me to other potential customers! So it's a win win haha
Alejandro Riojas said
May 30, 2014
AC Lockyer wrote:
Alejandro Riojas wrote:
I don't know what the deal is with my plant wash. I've killed the same amount with or without plant wash. I have 2 tubs and I just stopped using it after having the same affect.
Why didn't you call me to ask why?
it really hasn't been an issue with the customer but I know I have to get it right !
AC Lockyer said
May 30, 2014
Doug Gore wrote:
AC Lockyer wrote:
Doug,
I know you took the Plant & Property protection module and passed the test. It surprises me that you hadn't ordered Plant Wash yet. I'd go back and review that module because this question is well covered there.
AC
To be honest there were several people who said not to buy it......I really want to obtain the (probably) impossible rate of a zero kill and only minimal grass burns.
I will be giving it a try AC. I'm on vacation and will order some just before I go home.
Doug,
As many have found out and many more will come to know I don't create products just to sell. These are products I created and used every day in my multimillion dollar roof cleaning companies. Plant Wash by its self is useless, the Plant and Property protection module by its self is useless, the Three D's of Plant Protection by them selves are useless, even great support and guidance are useless if we don't accept the knowledge and experience and use all of these tools together to form a great plant and property protection strategy.
I use to see this all the time with my crews and the use of the ropes and safety equipment while on roofs. I was told how un needed it was, how they actually made being on a roof more dangerous, how they were too much to keep up with and how they slowed people down. I quickly found that the same men that had all the excuses about why they didn't like wearing their safety ropes had the same excuses about why they didn't like condoms. All those guys had three and four kids from different ladies and several thousand a month in child support payments. Less than a month after we split Mallard residential from Mallard commercial Mallard residential had a man fall off a roof. This was directly attributed to the now lack of accountability for wearing the safety ropes. One year later Brian Lamb walked backwards into and through an open skylight on a three story building with no ropes on. Brian broke his back and both legs. While in the hospital he lost one leg below the knee and one at the ankle from infection. He lived in a wheel chair for two years in rehab and now has two artificial legs. He doesn't dismiss the importance of any one part of our processes anymore.
We are starting an SEO driven web directory with custom mapping listing each SoftWash Authorized company in a geographical area. It is being worked on this summer. We are also starting a consumer driven web site for SoftWash Systems and releasing several consumer based videos for educating consumers about SoftWash Authorized companies. Many of you have already received a survey because we are beginning to track the best and brightest in our network to funnel these leads to. We are tracking chemical sales from All of our dealers. We will be advertising to consumers all the steps that SoftWash Systems Authorized companies take in caring for a customers plants and property. One of those steps that will be heavily highlited will be the Three D's of plant protection, divert, dilute, decontaminate and the use of SoftWash Systems Plant Wash in those steps. If we find that any SoftWash Systems Authorized Pro is not following the steps and using the products that we advertise to our consumers and property owners, they will receive a written warning and if they do not adhere they will be removed from the network.
There is only one person here who actually had a horticulture degree and knew long ago what was actually killing the plants.
Moral of the story, don't say your SoftWash Systems Authorized and not follow the business model. Oh and don't kill plants. Plant damages can ALWAYS be traced back to short putting and are ALWAYS avoidable with the right plan.
AC
Doug G said
May 31, 2014
I'll send you a PM AC.....but rest assured, I do not cut corners.
AC Lockyer said
May 31, 2014
Doug Gore wrote:
I'll send you a PM AC.....but rest assured, I do not cut corners.
I recently killed off a fairly large bush that was near a downspout. A day after cleaning we had a light rain and I suspect there was not enough water in the rain to dilute the mixture enough. I have also burned the grass over the roof drip lines (even after using bleach wash) and I started thinking......What if I sprinkled "Bleach-Stop" in the gutters or even sprinkled it along the drip lines prior to shooting a roof?
Has anyone tried such a thing and have any results they can report?
Doug
I think that product stops the oxidation process which stops the bleaching of fabrics. I don't think it will neutralize the salt which damages the plants.
we have done what you are thinking about with plant wash. Sprinkled it in gutters and on the ground at the downspout after our normal plant wash rinse. Don't know if it works......but no dead plants or grass, so figure it's like chicken soup , it can't hurt.
Agree - we will pre-wet plants with plant wash, rinse with them during and flood after if there are large amounts that will affect plant life below. Plant wash neutralizes the bleach AND restores the bacteria in the soil that the bleach kills.
After I shoot and rinse I go back and spray bleach wash then follow up with miracle grow (only used miracle grow because it's readily accessible).
FYI....Doug Rucker suggested using gypsum pellets.
Doug, you are not doing any harm in using Bleach Wash. It just doesn't have as strong of neutralizing properties like Plant wash does. Bleach wash is great for windows, siding, metal, cedar, rinsing out your pump at the end of the day etc. and neutralizing bleach on non-organics. Plant wash is specifically for organics.
For instance, you could accidentally put an ounce of Bleach wash in your SH mix and probably be fine. With Plant Wash, an ounce would make your entire tank toast.
Just a side note - you've got to be careful with using Miracle-Gro or other generic garden fertilizers. There are plants, such as Japanese Lace Leaf Maples that will die if you feed them garden variety fertilizers - too much nitrogen. Found this out the hard way.... those trees are not cheap to replace.
When a bush is at the bottom of a downspout, we use a product called rain drain 1000. We divert it, explain to the homeowner why we are doing it, and tell them to leave it on for a minimum of two good rains. After that they can rip it off and throw it i away. Haven't had an issue since we started using it.
Also, plant wash has some different properties tan just plain Miracle grow. If you are not going to use plant wash, you are better off saving your money and just flooding the plants. We also use pelletized gypsum sometimes. Like around rose bushes ans nice grass. Only thing we do different is mix it 1:1 a with dehydrated cow manure. the cow manure puts the good bacteria back in the soil.
I had planned on ordering plant wash.....guess I'll do it now......:}
I know you took the Plant & Property protection module and passed the test. It surprises me that you hadn't ordered Plant Wash yet. I'd go back and review that module because this question is well covered there.
AC
Gary, although CH is not as hard on plants, the bleach can still kill the good bacteria in the soil. It may not have the salt which will kill it by itself, but still use your plant protection techniques. I have caused plant damage from CH - and it was because I got careless because "I was using CH".
ou really need a photo to see what caused plant to die. Some plants ore more succeptable to damage, it may have been a disease or fungus etc.
Why didn't you call me to ask why?
AC
So staying on this Subject....I have a complex of duplexes I am bidding on. They are being cautious about the plant/grass damage around the downspouts. Along with our initial treatments...is it feasible to come back a week after service and retreat with Plant Wash? If so, since we are talking 28 buildings...can this re-treatment be done via a pump up sprayer?
To be honest there were several people who said not to buy it......I really want to obtain the (probably) impossible rate of a zero kill and only minimal grass burns.
I will be giving it a try AC. I'm on vacation and will order some just before I go home.
Oh trust me we water the crap outta the plants and grass. Then I come back and re water them when im done. It really hasn't been bad its the ocassional grass here and plant there. But summers coming and we have been getting hit already with 100+degree weather which might result in more plant damage. the good thing customers don't complain even though I offer plant and grass replacement for free , they replace it themselves and still refer me to other potential customers! So it's a win win haha
Doug,
As many have found out and many more will come to know I don't create products just to sell. These are products I created and used every day in my multimillion dollar roof cleaning companies. Plant Wash by its self is useless, the Plant and Property protection module by its self is useless, the Three D's of Plant Protection by them selves are useless, even great support and guidance are useless if we don't accept the knowledge and experience and use all of these tools together to form a great plant and property protection strategy.
I use to see this all the time with my crews and the use of the ropes and safety equipment while on roofs. I was told how un needed it was, how they actually made being on a roof more dangerous, how they were too much to keep up with and how they slowed people down. I quickly found that the same men that had all the excuses about why they didn't like wearing their safety ropes had the same excuses about why they didn't like condoms. All those guys had three and four kids from different ladies and several thousand a month in child support payments. Less than a month after we split Mallard residential from Mallard commercial Mallard residential had a man fall off a roof. This was directly attributed to the now lack of accountability for wearing the safety ropes. One year later Brian Lamb walked backwards into and through an open skylight on a three story building with no ropes on. Brian broke his back and both legs. While in the hospital he lost one leg below the knee and one at the ankle from infection. He lived in a wheel chair for two years in rehab and now has two artificial legs. He doesn't dismiss the importance of any one part of our processes anymore.
We are starting an SEO driven web directory with custom mapping listing each SoftWash Authorized company in a geographical area. It is being worked on this summer. We are also starting a consumer driven web site for SoftWash Systems and releasing several consumer based videos for educating consumers about SoftWash Authorized companies. Many of you have already received a survey because we are beginning to track the best and brightest in our network to funnel these leads to. We are tracking chemical sales from All of our dealers. We will be advertising to consumers all the steps that SoftWash Systems Authorized companies take in caring for a customers plants and property. One of those steps that will be heavily highlited will be the Three D's of plant protection, divert, dilute, decontaminate and the use of SoftWash Systems Plant Wash in those steps. If we find that any SoftWash Systems Authorized Pro is not following the steps and using the products that we advertise to our consumers and property owners, they will receive a written warning and if they do not adhere they will be removed from the network.
There is only one person here who actually had a horticulture degree and knew long ago what was actually killing the plants.
Moral of the story, don't say your SoftWash Systems Authorized and not follow the business model. Oh and don't kill plants. Plant damages can ALWAYS be traced back to short putting and are ALWAYS avoidable with the right plan.
AC
Np prob Doug, it was a generalized statement.
AC