How to Remove Pine Tree Sap From a Wooden Deck

Use saddle soap to remove tree sap from a wooden deck.

As sap pushes from within a pine tree, it can drop from branches that extend over wooden decks and attach to the deck and deck furniture. Tree sap has a glue-like quality in that it clings steadfastly to surfaces. As the sap dries, it hardens, making removal difficult. The sap requires a softening agent to dissolve and melt it, allowing you to lift it from a wooden deck without damaging the deck boards.

Things You'll Need

• Broom
• Saddle soap or oil soap
• Sponge
• Stiff-bristle brush
• Rags
• Garden hose

Instructions

1. Sweep dirt and debris from the wooden deck with a broom.

2. Apply 1/4 cup of saddle soap, or other oil soap, onto the tree sap with a sponge. Allow the soap to remain on the sap for 15 minutes, giving it time to soften and dissolve the sap.

3. Scrub the tree sap with a stiff-bristle brush. Apply additional saddle soap if needed to remove all the tree sap.

4. Wipe the soap and the tree sap from the deck with a wet rag.

5. Spray the deck with a garden hose to remove all soap residue.

Tips & Warnings

• Remove the tree sap stain as soon as possible to keep it from permanently staining the wooden deck.

References

• Gardening Know How: How to Remove Tree Sap