Spring’s the season when Bluffton homeowners gear up to refresh their curb appeal—and two big projects top the list: pressure washing and landscaping. But here’s a question we hear all the time at LowCountry Exterior Cleaning Pros:
“Should I pressure wash before or after I mulch and landscape?”
Timing matters—and choosing the right order can save you time, money, and frustration. Below, we break down the pros and cons of each approach so you can plan your spring home maintenance with confidence.
Table of Contents
Why Pressure Washing Before Mulching Makes Sense
At LowCountry Exterior Cleaning Pros, we generally recommend pressure washing before you mulch or landscape. Here’s why it works so well:
Pros of Washing Before Landscaping:
- Less Mess on Fresh Mulch: Pressure washing can kick up debris, muddy water, and runoff—especially around driveways, walkways, and siding. If you just laid mulch, it could get splattered or washed away.
- Cleaner Hardscapes: Pressure washing clears away grime, algae, and winter buildup from patios, pavers, and stone edging. Do this first, and your landscaping will frame a clean, fresh canvas.
- Saves Time on Touch-Ups: No need to redo mulch beds that got blasted or scattered. Once the surface is clean, mulching becomes the final polish—not a redo.
- Better Visibility for Edging: With dirt and algae cleared, it’s easier to define clean landscaping edges around your flower beds and walkways.
Cons (But Manageable):
- You may track a little dirt around during washing, especially if landscaping crews are on-site. But a quick rinse afterward usually handles this.
- If you’re DIYing, watch your pressure settings around delicate flower beds. Better yet—call us. We use soft washing when needed to protect surrounding areas.
Check out our Pressure Washing Services to get started right.
What Happens If You Pressure Wash After Mulching?
You can pressure wash after mulching—but it comes with risks. Let’s look at the trade-offs.
Pros of Washing After Landscaping:
- Your yard is already looking fresh—pressure washing can make it pop even more.
- If you notice dirty siding or a stained driveway after you mulch, washing can be the finishing touch.
Cons of Waiting Until After:
- Risk of Displacing Mulch: High-pressure water can easily blow mulch out of beds and onto sidewalks and lawns.
- Mud and Splash Back: Dirt runoff from pressure washing can splash onto clean mulch, making it look messy again.
- Increased Labor: You may have to re-edge beds, sweep sidewalks again, or even reapply mulch in places where it washed away.
No one wants to redo fresh landscaping. That’s why we recommend pressure washing as a first step, not an afterthought.
Best-Case Scenario? Pressure Wash, Then Landscape
Want that jaw-dropping curb appeal that turns heads in your neighborhood? Here’s the smart spring cleaning sequence:
- Book your pressure washing service first.
- Let all surfaces dry.
- Then bring in your landscapers (or tackle it yourself).
- Finish with fresh mulch, flowers, and maybe even lighting.
This order ensures your landscaping stays beautiful—and your home shines from top to bottom.
Questions Homeowners Often Ask:
Should I pressure wash after rain?
Ideally, wait for a few dry days. Wet conditions make pressure washing messier and less effective.
Is it okay to soft wash near mulch beds?
Yes! We use low-pressure soft washing around delicate areas like garden beds and foundations to avoid disturbing mulch.
Can you avoid splashing my landscaping?
Absolutely. Our team uses controlled nozzles and shields when working near plants, mulch, or flower beds.
Get Spring-Ready with LowCountry Exterior Cleaning Pros
When it comes to home maintenance, timing is everything—and we’ve got it down to a science. Whether it’s pressure washing, window cleaning, or soft washing, we’ll make sure your Bluffton home is clean and ready for whatever spring brings.
Call us today at 843-323-4902
Visit lowcountryexteriorcleaningpros.com
Or check out our Google Maps Listing to see what your neighbors are saying!