Keep Your Patio Well Maintained In Autumn

When the weather gets colder and wetter, most people tend to keep themselves in their warm house and neglect their outdoor space.

However, while there is less chance of getting soggy indoors, not looking after the patio could lead to much bigger problems in the springtime when you want to utilise the area more.

Firstly, make sure to keep the patio clear of falling leaves, pine cones, conkers and acorns as these can cause stains on the stones.

Additionally, you should try to remove as much algae, moss, lichen and weeds as you can. This will mean you have a smaller job on your hands when it comes to spring and you want your outdoor space looking pristine.

Use a stiff bristled broom regularly to scrape them away and keep any growth at bay.

You could also use weed killer or blast the area with a power washer, as these can help reduce the chance of the weeds returning.

There are likely to be a few gaps in your patio, which is why you are experiencing problems with weeds, moss, algae and lichen. Therefore, it is a good idea to fill them in or, for bigger jobs, you might need to reseal the whole patio.

As well as preventing weeds from growing, patio sealing will protect the stones against excess water and freezing temperatures, which are bound to occur during the winter months.

Once your patio is clean, clear and resealed, you can enjoy making it look welcoming - even during autumn and winter.

Homes and Gardens recommends investing in a fire pit, so you can warm up on cold evenings; having autumnal flowers in planters dotted around; getting plenty of outdoor lights to make darker afternoons cosy; and buying an outdoor rug to add “texture and colour to your patio’s aesthetic”.