JACKSONVILLE HOMEOWNER GUIDE
Tannin Staining From Oak Trees: The Other Kind of Driveway Discoloration
Not every dark stain is algae — leaf and sap tannins leave their own distinct mark under heavy tree canopy.
What Tannin Staining Looks Like
Tannins are organic compounds released as leaves, acorns, and sap break down on a surface. On concrete, this often shows up as a brownish, sometimes blotchy discoloration that’s distinct from the greenish-black tone typical of algae.
Where It Shows Up Most
Driveways and walkways under mature live oaks — common throughout Riverside, Ortega, and Mandarin — see this most, especially in areas where leaf litter sits for extended periods before being cleared.
How It’s Treated Differently Than Algae
Tannin staining sometimes needs a different treatment approach than standard algae cleaning to fully lift, since it’s a different type of organic compound bonded to the surface rather than living growth.
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