Fences look stunning in gardens as they can be painted in a range of colours – some of which can make your garden appear much bigger.

However, the downside to them is that they can quickly harbour algae, making your garden appear unsightly and uninviting.

Add the accelerated deterioration of your fence’s wooden panels and you have quite the problem on your hands.

Although algae mostly grow in more shaded areas, deprived of sunlight, it can also thrive in direct sunlight.

Therefore your fence isn’t safe even if it gets its fair share of sunshine, especially with the weather slowly heating up.

Luckily, getting rid of algae off of your wooden fence is fairly easy if you’re using the right products.

Taking to the Gardening Hints and Tips Facebook page, Kelly Irvine asked: “Has anyone used the method of white vinegar and water to get rid of algae on a fence? Does it work?

“I just painted over it last year, but need to actually treat it this time.”

Group members in the comments were quick to respond and the majority claimed that white vinegar doesn’t work.

Angela Munns said: “Tried white vinegar, didn’t work for me.” Paul McKibben said: “I used white vinegar and it just removed the paint without taking off the algae.”

Instead, many fellow gardeners recommended the use of a product designed to clean patios but work “brilliantly” on green marks on fences – Patio Magic.

Danielle Brown wrote: “We used Patio Magic, was gone within a day or two, brilliant stuff. You dilute it as per instructions on the back and then can either spray or paint on with a paint brush.”

Stephen Clarke said: “I use a large paint brush to paint on a thin layer of Patio Magic, it should remove the algae almost on contact. This avoids any damage to plants too.”

Mark Kirk commented: “Don’t use a pressure washer as this just creates an environment for more algae to take hold by roughing the surface up more. I use Patio Magic. It was a game-changer for me.”

Sally Rhodes wrote: “I used patio magic in a spray bottle. I did 25 fence panels with some left over. All the green vanished overnight.”

In the description, it claims that the product is designed to “destroy” mould algae and lichen on surfaces like paving, driveways, glass, garden furniture and walls.

Patio Magic retails on Amazon for £10.63 currently down from £13.99 and can be purchased from Wickes for £11.

Alternatively, in the past gardening fans have recommended the use of Wet & Forget Mould Lichen and Algae Remover to tackle the task. This product retails for £18 at Wickes and £18.99 at B&Q.