If you’ve ever walked outside after a breezy fall day and noticed brown spots where leaves landed on your concrete, you’re not alone. Those little stains can show up fast — especially on light-colored driveways and patios — and leave many homeowners wondering what went wrong.

The good news? They’re harmless, temporary, and easy to deal with once you know why they happen.

Why Do Leaves Stain Concrete?

When leaves sit on damp concrete, they release natural tannins (the same organic compounds that make tea stain your mug). Rain, dew, or melting snow helps pull those pigments out of the leaves and into the tiny pores of your concrete surface.

The result is a light brown, yellow, or greenish mark — basically nature’s version of a coffee ring. It’s totally normal, especially in areas with lots of trees or morning moisture.

Will Leaf Stains Go Away?

Yes! Most leaf stains fade naturally over time. Sunlight, air, and weather exposure gradually break down the pigments, and by spring, most spots are completely gone.

Even sealed concrete can get temporary staining — it’s not a sign that anything’s wrong with your concrete or coating.

When Should You Remove Them?

If you’re planning to seal your concrete soon, make sure to remove stains first. Sealing over them can lock in the discoloration and make it harder to fix later.

Otherwise, it’s mostly about looks. If you like a spotless surface, go ahead and clean them up. If not, let nature take care of them over time.

Easy DIY Solution to Remove Leaf Stains

To create the cleaning solution, mix the following ratio:

16 parts bleach; 16 parts water; 1 part liquid laundry detergent

For smaller batches, that could look like:

• 16 oz bleach
• 16 oz water
• 1 oz detergent

You can multiply these numbers up for larger areas, just be sure to keep the ratio the same.

How To Apply:

1. Mix Your Solution: First, add bleach and water, then pour the detergent on top. (If you add the detergent first, it’s harder to clean out of the container later.)
2. Shake Well: Secure the lid and give it a good mix until everything’s evenly combined.
3. Apply Generously: Using your sprayer, soak each leaf-stained area thoroughly. Ensure you’re getting sufficient coverage for the solution to penetrate deep into the pores of the concrete.
4. Let The Solution Sit: Give the cleaner a few minutes to lift the stain. For heavy discoloration, you may need to lightly scrub with a soft brush or reapply a second coat.
5. Rinse Thoroughly: Once the stains begin to fade, rinse the surface clean with water and let it dry before sealing or walking on it.