Solid ground

A cornerstone of grounds maintenance is ensuring all the pathways, patios and driveways are kept clean and safe. Martin Beaumont of Monty Miracle looks at how you can maintain and protect these surfaces all year round

Grounds maintenance is about a whole host of different surfaces. The early part of the year is a key time for cleaning and then prepping exterior areas for the coming months, making sure each surface is looked after and maintained for the long term. It’s important to ensure everything is kept tip top, from an aesthetic and safety point of view.

Hardscaping is an aspect of gardening, landscaping or building exterior that uses solid materials. Usually comprising bricks, blocks, paving stones or gravel, hardscaped areas usually include paved areas, walls and stairs. They contrast and complement the softer, horticultural elements of a garden or outdoor area and when kept looking good, will add a contemporary or traditional style as well as functionality.

The elements can quickly cause a buildup of natural dirt and grime on hardscaped areas, making them look unsightly. What’s more, this organic dirt and growth can cause cracks and damage. Wet weather creates the perfect breeding ground for organic growth such as moss, lichen and algae. It’s vital that those cracks are not worsened by the wrong kind of aggressive cleaning.

This is not just about getting the grounds looking good, it’s also about protecting the materials. Having spent many years working at English Heritage, I’m passionate about maintaining paths, patios and driveways for the long term.

BRICK

Brick driveways, walls and paths take a long time to create and tend to last longer, if they are maintained well. With more gaps to consider, cleaning carefully is a must. Avoid using a jetwash which can unsettle the grouting and damage the surface of the brick. Instead, use a gentle liquid cleaner and make sure that you apply a sealant which should be reapplied every few years. Regular brushing between the bricks is needed to discourage any dirt or growth buildup: a thorough liquid clean only needs to be a couple of times a year.

NATURAL STONE

Natural stone paving will last for years. It’s important to know the different types of stone you are using as they are all very different. Limestone is the most commonly used and is created by a material – usually silicon – holding together lots of tiny grains. It tends to have a smoother surface and more consistent colour. Slate is very durable but is susceptible to water damage, and as it has been formed in layers, the top layer needs to be protected. Granite, as you would expect, is the toughest of the natural stones. Thermally stable, it is the least porous. While these stones all differ, they share the same quality – they need to be protected and washed with a gentle approach.

PORCELAIN TILES

A more modern take on the classic stone path, tiles can have a more uniform appearance and are relatively easy to maintain, so can be very suitable for high traffic areas. They are resistant to freezing and thawing and are lightweight. However, they can be more brittle than natural stone and tend to be more expensive than concrete. They are more durable to harsher pressure but still need treating properly and look best with a colour-coordinated render.

PAVERS

Concrete paving slabs can last for decades. Concrete is an incredibly strong material with good resistance to harsh weather conditions and erosion. Easier to maintain, it simply requires regular brushing and care with a one off deep clean every year to ensure no build-up of organic growth between the gaps and staining on the surface.

None of these surfaces can exist without regular maintenance and I would always recommend cleaning thoroughly on a regular basis: Clear the debris all over your hard and soft landscaped areas then apply a gentle biodegradable liquid cleaner to your hard areas with an easy to use 5 litre pump. This should clean the surface of the stone in just 10 minutes. Use a garden hose to clean off the area with water. Because it is biodegradable, the cleanser is safe to run off onto your grassed areas, as long as you have watered the grass beforehand. This is key – your soft landscaped areas will need their own tending and pruning but also need to be protected during the cleaning process.

Once the area is dry, use a sealant to protect your surfaces. A quality liquid sealant will repel dirt and contaminants, even working on delicate surfaces like natural limestone, keeping your hardscaping stain-resistant, safe and smart for years to come.