fence varnish on plants!

ncc mama · Joined: 08 May 2003 Posts: 12 Location: Plano,Texas

My husband restained our wood fence, and he neglected to cover up the plantings before he did it. Now about 40 feet of shrubs and perrenials are completely coated. He used a pump spayer, so the stuff went everywhere! I didn't know about it until days later, long after it was already dried. The plants are mostly nandinas and salvias, so they are pretty tough. Does anyone have any advice? Thanks!

Tony M · Joined: 31 Mar 2003 Posts: 1088 Location: McKinney,TEXAS

Look at the product and see if it is water based vs oil. If it is water based, you can try soapy water and a strong stream to wash it off.
I think the plants will be OK even if you have to trim them back. The soil around them has also taken a real beating and will need help like the sick tree treatment described on this site.
Tony M

ncc mama · Joined: 08 May 2003 Posts: 12 Location: Plano,Texas

Thanks Tony,

It was an oil based product, so it created a solid coating on the leaves that doesn't wash away. The nandinas are in the worst shape. They are harbor dwarfs. Do you think that I should cut them down the the ground? The foliage is completey covered now, and I'm afraid that they can't breathe. Would that stimulate new growth from the roots? Thanks, again.

Tina

Tony M · Joined: 31 Mar 2003 Posts: 1088 Location: McKinney,TEXAS

All nandinas are very hardy so it's worth a try. I wouldn't cut them to the ground but would cut them back to the stalks. You might try a light solution of orange oil after you cut them back. Orange Oil acts as a solvent and it may cut the oil on the stalks but would probably burn the leaves even if it did remove the oil.
This is a tough time of the year to keep healthy plants going let alone ones that have been damaged. Good Luck.
Tony M