As temperatures drop, homeowners are being told of the steps they can take to ensure their garden stays protected over the winter.
Outdoor living experts at LightingLegends.com are sharing their top tips for looking after the garden throughout colder months.
They advise giving everything a thorough clean, washing down furniture, removing dirt and debris, and clearing away fallen leaves to help prevent rot and mildew from forming when it’s damp.
Once everything is clean, it’s important to either cover your outdoor furniture or move it into a sheltered area – particularly wooden furniture.
Outdoor lighting may also need to be tended to throughout winter. Whilst most good quality lighting can usually withstand the harsh weather, checking bulbs and wiping them with a clean cloth can help keep them intact.
Taking a few simple steps now can make all the difference when it comes to preserving your outdoor space.
Adam Wilkins, managing director at Lighting Legends, commented: “Carrying out the right winter maintenance in your garden can prevent damp weather and harsh winds from ruining your outdoor living space.
“Harsh winds can see garden items blowing away, which is not only annoying but also dangerous. Taking the time to secure or store loose items now can save you from costly damage or potential accidents later in the season.
“Making sure that items are stored correctly so that they don’t spoil throughout winter is also important. Some materials are less durable than others and will require a little attention to ensure they stay intact for the following year.”
Tips for protecting your garden this winter:
Deep clean and dry
Giving your garden a thorough clean by removing any existing dirt and debris with water is an important step before putting outdoor furniture away for the winter. Cleaning your furniture helps to prevent stains and rot that can cause long-term damage.
Use covers for furniture
Covering furniture with a waterproof yet breathable material, such as PVC sheets with vents or a waxed tarpaulin, will prevent moisture from getting on your furniture and will provide airflow to prevent mould forming.
Move furniture into sheltered spots
Some furniture made from durable materials, such as metal, can be left outside. Move more vulnerable materials indoors or into a sheltered area to help prevent wind damage and stop damp and grime building up over winter. Plastic can often crack in freezing temperatures, so ensure any plastic furniture is either covered securely or stored somewhere protected from the cold.
Check outdoor lighting bulbs
Good quality outdoor lighting is usually safe for all seasons, but they may need some additional care in the harsh winter weather. Wiping them down and checking that the bulbs haven’t been affected by rainfall or debris passed through the air can help maintain them so that they don’t become damaged.
Check patios
Cracks in patios can worsen during winter, particularly in icy conditions. Fill any gaps using suitable materials for your patio type ahead of the cold weather and consider cleaning patios regularly throughout winter to remove debris and reduce wear.
Secure lightweight items
Lightweight items can blow away in strong winds, so securing anything that could move and potentially cause damage is an important step to protect your belongings, as well as nearby people and property.
Treat wooden furniture
Wooden furniture can easily rot if left untreated. When it’s dry, clean the furniture and apply a quality preservative such as wood wax or beeswax. Move wooden pieces onto a hard surface and away from grass and soil as wet weather can cause the base of furniture to rot.
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