Landscape & Urban Design Issue 40 2019 | Page 70

DECKING HOW TO MAINTAIN YOUR DECKING THIS WINTER Across the country temperatures are dropping fast, and soon gardens will be covered in a picturesque frost worthy of a Christmas card. An easy way to combat this problem is to store any furniture somewhere safe and dry, like a garage or garden shed. Simple but effective. But what about the much-loved decking that garden enthusiasts around the UK that have worked so hard on over the summer months? After all of the summer BBQ’s and evening drinks, there’s nothing worse than seeing decking deteriorate in the cold weather. Keep on top of debris However, there’s no need to worry – timber treatment company WJ Group has put together a few top tips on how to help keep decking looking its best this winter! One or two leaves may not seem like a big deal, but a build-up of debris can lead to serious issues. As well as discolouration and premature rotting of the wood, any water that pools up over time can cause decking to warp and twist. Which is a huge problem considering how easy it is to prevent. Simply brush decking once a week, or after a bout of particularly windy weather. DeckWright Anti-Slip Inserts add grip to help prevent injuries. They’re so reliable that they have an anti-slip rating of 71 and come with a five-year warranty! Get into pressure washing Use DeckWright Colder weather can cause slimy algae to build-up on timber decking areas. They are also prone to moss and a funny fungus called lichen. A great way to get rid of these without scrubbing away is to get a hold of a pressure washer. The high-pressure water blasts any algae or moss off decking, leaving it fresh and clean. Kärcher has a great selection to choose from. A bit of bad weather doesn’t mean you shouldn’t still get outside in the garden when you can. Where else would the children build a snowman when it snows? When keeping on top of clearing snow off decking, www.wj-group.co.uk / wj-deckwright Clear away patio furniture As well as rain and snow potentially damaging the patio furniture itself, high winds could cause tables and chairs to scrape along decking boards, leaving unsightly scratches. 70 www.landud.co.uk Follow us @ludmagazine