Whether you’re a gardening novice or a seasoned horticulturist, we all understand that falling temperatures can pose a risk to our outdoor spaces.
Notably, the search term ‘planning a winter garden’ has seen an astonishing increase of 2,186 percent this year alone.
However, Andy McLaughlin, a landscaping specialist at RF Paving, insists that there’s no better time than now to start preparing your garden for winter.
This advice is particularly pertinent as the Met Office has issued a 43-hour snow warning for certain regions of the UK this week.
He has shared his top tips for bracing for the colder weather, including why it’s crucial for homeowners to inspect their garden paving, reports the Express.
Check your paving joints
If you have a paved area in your garden, examining the joints will give you an idea if they can withstand another winter, or if they need replacing before the cold weather sets in.
If the joints are cracked or dislodged, then it’s worth considering replacing the jointing compound. Some compounds might be fixable by just removing the affected area, while others may require the entire jointing compound to be removed and replaced.
Neglecting to repair or replace damaged jointing compound can, in severe cases, necessitate the replacement of the paving.
If water infiltrates beneath the paving, and the paving bed isn’t permeable (doesn’t allow water to seep through), this can result in what’s known as ‘frost heave’.
Frost heave is a phenomenon that occurs in freezing conditions due to the freeze-thaw process. When water seeps through damaged joints and gets trapped within the mortar bed’s pores, it freezes in cold temperatures.
As this trapped water thaws in relatively warmer conditions, it expands. Since this pressure has nowhere else to go but the weakest point, it often forces upwards, causing the mortar bed to ‘fail’.
This can lift the paving and potentially necessitate the replacement of the entire paved area.
Maintaining and preparing stonework
The onset of icy weather can wreak havoc on gardens. The freeze-thaw cycle poses a risk to any stone foundations, but thorough cleaning of all paving and stonework before the temperature drops can be beneficial.
Any mould, mildew, and other fungi that have discoloured your paving can worsen during winter. Start by cleaning the paving surface and treating it with sand, a cheaper and less damaging alternative to rock salt.
This will ensure good traction on the surface, and the cracks and gaps will be properly filled. If time permits, consider applying a sealant for additional protection of your paving.
Leaving leaves and foliage on paving can lead to decomposition, leaving a residue that is often very difficult to remove or, in some cases, causes irreversible damage.
Particularly with natural stone paving, the residue can penetrate the stone’s surface. Porcelain paving is somewhat more resistant to staining, but stubborn marks may require additional effort.
Maintain your garden throughout winter.
To ensure your garden and paved areas remain in good condition until the warmer months, it’s crucial to keep these areas clean and tidy regularly.
Consistently removing leaves, debris, and fallen foliage will minimise the risk of them causing damage, staining, or becoming a slipping hazard.
Regular cleaning of hard surfaces not only maintains their aesthetic appeal but also prevents the accumulation of dirt, algae, and moss.
If paving isn’t kept clean, it could become slippery and hazardous. Although exterior porcelain should have a slip-resistant surface, its anti-slip properties won’t be effective unless the surface is kept clean.