The UK is bracing for frosty conditions and gardening experts are issuing critical advice to protect your green spaces.
Chris Mclloroy from The Grass People has urged garden lovers to avoid walking on their frozen lawns during the upcoming winter chills. He cautioned: “With its fragile state, walking on a frosted lawn can worsen the impact. Each step can crush and break blades, which can’t bend and flex as they usually would.”
Explaining the damage, he said: “Footfall can also cause soil compaction in the frozen conditions, especially if the lawn is still slightly damp from rain or dew. Compacted soil reduces root growth and water absorption, both essential for lawn recovery.”
“When frost arrives, it’s crucial to limit the damage as much as you can.”
This guidance comes particularly timely as Britain, having experienced a milder autumn, has faced its first major temperature drop, heightening the danger of morning frosts for unprepared gardens, reports the Express.
Additionally, Steven Walley, an outdoor flooring specialist from London Stone, addressed patio maintenance, and specifically the need for effective treatment of icy patches and stains left by snow, ice, and wet leaves.
His recommendation is a natural remedy that combats these common winter garden woes, ensuring patios stay pristine after thawing out. Steven shared a straightforward but effective tip for stopping algae growth with a concoction of water and vinegar.
“Use a mixture of water and white vinegar to spray down the area and kill the algae before rinsing the surface with a hose. Next, pour white vinegar directly on the surface and scrub using a brush. Use a vigorous back and forth motion to lift any stains.”