Property owners are being advised to use the remaining temperate September days to prepare their gardens for winter, as online searches for 'autumn gardening' reach their highest point in September. Beyond lawns and planting, paving and hard landscaping require care before temperatures drop, according to Andy McLaughlin, sales and operations director at RF Paving.
McLaughlin cautioned that apparently minor problems including damaged joints, weeds and built-up debris could escalate during winter as gardens face heightened rainfall and freeze-thaw cycles.
Make the most of the milder weather
McLaughlin said: "Don't wait for the first frost to start preparing your paving. Checking paved areas while conditions are still relatively mild gives you time to clean surfaces, remove weeds and identify any damage that could become worse once temperatures fall."
He added: "Carrying out a few simple tasks prior to the winter months can make all the difference in minimising the efforts needed to prepare your outdoor spaces for spring and summer. I would recommend carrying out some of these tasks before the weather takes a turn for the worse and I would advise 'servicing' your paved areas before any severe frosts."
Remove weeds and clean stonework
On weed removal, McLaughlin said: "Across the summer, you may have noticed weeds popping up around your paving, aggregate and cobbles and now is the perfect time to get rid of them. Remove any growth from between paving slabs and tiles, as this prevents roots from spreading further, which can disrupt the foundations. If water and ice manage to get into cracks that have been worsened by the weeds, this could cause significant movement."
He advised cleaning and prepping stonework: "When the icy weather begins, it can cause havoc in our gardens. The freezing and thawing process poses a threat to any stone foundations, but cleaning all your paving and stonework thoroughly before the temperature drops can help."
"Begin by cleaning your paving surface and treating it with sand. The surface will have good traction, and the cracks and gaps will be correctly filled. If you have time, consider using a sealant to protect your paving further."
He warned: "If leaves and foliage are left on paving, they decompose, leaving a residue that is often very difficult to remove and, in some cases, causes irreversible damage, especially to natural stone paving, where the residue can impregnate the stone surface. Porcelain paving is somewhat more resistant to staining, but again, stubborn marks may need extra attention."
Inspect joints and clear debris
On inspecting paving joints, McLaughlin said: "Check paved areas for cracked, damaged or dislodged joints before colder weather arrives. Depending on the type of jointing compound, damaged sections may be repairable, while more extensive deterioration could require the joints to be replaced."
"Damaged joints can allow water to seep beneath paving, increasing the risk of 'frost heave' during freezing conditions. As trapped water freezes and expands, it can put pressure on the mortar bed, causing paving to lift or move and, in more serious cases, require replacement."
He also advised clearing dead and rotten plants: "Dead plants, fallen leaves and other organic debris can trap moisture and encourage algae and moss growth if left to build up over autumn and winter. As vegetation decomposes, it can also leave stubborn stains on paved surfaces, particularly natural stone. Regularly clear dead plants and debris from paving and surrounding areas to help keep surfaces clean, reduce staining and prevent them from becoming slippery as wetter weather arrives."
Keep up maintenance through winter
McLaughlin said: "To keep your garden and paved areas in good condition right through to the warmer months, the main thing to do regularly is keep them clean and tidy. Regularly moving leaves, debris, and fallen foliage will reduce the risk of them causing damage, staining, or becoming a slip hazard."
"Regular cleaning of the hard surfaces will not only maintain the aesthetics, but stop dirt, algae, and moss from accumulating. If paving isn't kept clean, then there is a high risk that it could become slippery and dangerous. Although exterior porcelain should have a slip-resistant surface (R11 Rating), unless this surface is kept clean, its slip-resistant properties cannot take effect."
He concluded: "A little preparation now can go a long way towards protecting your outdoor spaces through winter. Use the remaining mild weather to tackle small issues before colder, wetter conditions make them harder and potentially more costly to fix."
