Question
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Followup To
Question -
Hope you can help. Just had an expensive EP Henry paver patio installed. Did not seal as contractor recommended wait year for effervescence to come out of pavers first. After first rain, patio stained brown, seemingly from rain off oak tree that has branch over patio and roof of house. Can clean with much work with bleach/water solution, but next rain, back again with a vengence. It is a pewter gray patio so really looks BAD! Can you tell me why the rain is turning brown off the oak tree? Is it pollen? Will it stop, and if so when? Do you know whether a paver sealer would prevent the stains? I'm told I should clean with an effervescence remover first, then wait 24hrs to dry, and seal. Don't want effervescence stains instead of brown!

Thanks!
Answer -
Jeannine,

This is a tough one without being able to see the situation.

I am not convinced the oak is to blame.  Is your contractor blaming the oak?  What happens if you soak the patio with a hose, not rain.  If it stains also it is the block.  

I would take this back to your contractor and let them remedy since you paid alot for this project.

Good gardening

If you are satisfied with my response please nominate me for volunteer of the month
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Mr. Bachman,

It is definitely coming from the oak tree, as the staining stops where the canopy of the tree stops above the patio. Water from a hose does not stain the patio. The stains can be cleaned with a solution of bleach and water, and I find it easiest to clean it if done immediately after the staining, as opposed to waiting days. The place that sold the stone told me they have heard of this happening with oak trees before (would be nice if she told me when I bought the paver). EP Henry, the manufacturer, said they have only heard complaints of oak leaves left laying on the paver, leaving an imprint stain. They recommended a cleaner to get the stain out, as well as the effervescence that usually takes a year to get out; followed by a sealer that keeps stains out, but also lets effervescence of stone out (cement dust that rises to surface after rain over time and washes away -- if sealed in, results in a water spot looking stain). My contractor never saw this situation, but is willing to put anything I want on, I just have to pay for the materials and probably the extra manpower.

I was just wondering if you knew what it was about an oak tree that results in brown rain water off it, and whether the tree could be fed with anything to stop or neautralize it. I was told pavers were a maintenance free item when I purchased them, and sealing wasn't necessary. Well, nothing could be further than the truth! The stones are made from cement and absorb any liquid like a sponge. Never anticipated my tree that I designed an addition around to save, would cause so many problems!

Thanks!

Answer
Jeannine,

Oak trees produce a substance called tannin and there is not anything you can "feed" the tree to alter this.  

I think you have a couple of choices.  1)  Continue to clean while you wait the year.  Frankly in my contacts with paver folks It is my opinion that you can seal immediately.  It may be your manufacturer that waits for their product.  2) Seal it now and be done with the oak stains.

You might also consider that this surface is outside and will not stay pristine due to the elements.  Paver patios are basically maintenance free.  

Enjoy