Once the yellow-green pollen haze finally settles over Asheville each spring, it leaves a film on everything it touches — siding, driveways, decks, windows, you name it. Here’s the exterior checklist we run through with homeowners from West Asheville to Biltmore Park to get a house looking sharp again before the humidity of summer sets in.
Siding: Get the Pollen and Winter Grime Off
Pine and oak pollen doesn’t just coat siding, it bonds to it, especially on the north-facing walls that stay damp under mountain tree cover. A soft-wash with the right dwell time on your cleaning solution lifts it without driving water behind the siding or stripping paint.
DIY note: a garden hose and scrub brush can handle light pollen on a one-story ranch. If you’ve got two stories, vinyl or fiber cement siding with visible green-black streaking, or you’re renting a pressure washer for the first time, call a pro — too much PSI at close range on siding seams is the #1 way homeowners end up with water intrusion behind the wall.
Driveway and Walkways
Winter road salt residue, tree sap, and a season of mud tracked in from wet hikes leave concrete and pavers looking dingy by March. Surface cleaning with a rotary attachment gets even coverage without the striping you get from a wand held too long in one spot.
This one’s the most DIY-friendly job on the list if you own or can rent decent equipment — just keep the nozzle moving and test an inconspicuous corner first on stamped or colored concrete.
Deck: Check It Before You Seal It
- Sweep off winter debris and check for soft or splintering boards before you clean anything.
- Wood decks in shaded Asheville yards often have a greenish mildew cast by spring — that needs a wood-safe cleaner, not just water pressure, or you’ll raise the grain.
- If you’re planning to stain or seal this spring, cleaning has to happen first and the wood needs a full dry day or two before sealant goes on.
- Composite decking needs lower pressure and a softer approach — high PSI can scar the surface permanently.
Gutters and Windows: Don’t Skip These
Gutters coming out of a Blue Ridge winter are usually packed with the last of fall’s leaves plus a winter’s worth of grit, and a clogged gutter in a spring downpour sends water straight down your siding and foundation. Clear them before the heavy spring rains hit.
Windows and screens catch the same pollen film as siding. A rinse-down after you’ve handled the siding and gutters is the easiest way to finish the job and actually see the difference from the street.
Timing It Right
Pollen season in Asheville typically runs hardest through April, so most homeowners get better results waiting until pollen counts drop before doing exterior cleaning rather than cleaning mid-bloom and doing it twice. Late April through May is the sweet spot — after the yellow film settles, before the humidity of full summer brings mildew back.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to pressure wash after pollen season in Asheville?
Late April into May is usually ideal — pollen counts have dropped by then, but summer humidity and the mildew growth it brings haven’t fully kicked in yet.
Can I pressure wash my own siding, or should I call a professional?
Light pollen film on a single story is fine to DIY with a hose and brush. For two-story homes, visible algae or mildew staining, or fiber cement siding, we’d recommend a soft-wash pro — too much pressure at the wrong angle can force water behind the siding.
Should I clean my deck before or after staining it this spring?
Always clean first. Any dirt, mildew, or old sealant residue left on the wood will trap moisture under a new coat and cause it to peel early. Give the deck a full one to two dry days after cleaning before you apply any stain or sealant.
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