One of the most common requests landscaping companies receive when discussing a landscape design with their residential clients is for paving. Whilst the local climate is such that the risks of continuous rain making lawns unsuitable for walking on are minimal, there is still a huge demand for paving stones and slabs to be included in landscaped gardens.
The two main reasons for the demand for paving are the practical use of them for walking safely and comfortably through a garden, and the aesthetic value the paving brings to a landscape design. One important point we must alert you to from the outset is that no matter what type, size, quantity, and design of the paving you have in your garden, there is a need to maintain them so that they retain their appearance for longer.
If this is not done, then the risk is that a combination of them being walked on frequently, plus the heat and sunshine can cause pavers to diminish in terms of their appearance. Thankfully, there are ways you can prevent this from happening such as the four we have outlined below.
Ensure Paving Is Laid Correctly
One of the main causes of pavers losing their appearance, or worse, becoming unsafe, is that they were not laid properly in the first place. The issues created by paving stones not being laid properly include them sinking, loosening, or cracking, all of which have the potential to make them unsafe for those walking on them and to make your paving look less than appealing.
The most logical way that you can ensure this does not happen to the pavers within your landscaped garden is to hire professional landscapers to design and install them. They will know how to prepare the ground underneath, and how to lay them properly and safely, plus they will use the most effective jointing and bonding.
Clean Pavers Regularly
Just as with the majority of non-natural features within a landscape design, paving stones will benefit from regular cleaning. The most basic means of doing so is simply to sweep away any fallen leaves, twigs, litter, or any other debris, daily if possible.
In addition, washing pavers occasionally can help maintain their appearance, especially if they are prone to dirt and grime. This will also help to remove stains from dropped food and spilled drinks, or scuffs from footwear. You could use either the trusty bucket of water and a brush, or if you wish to go a bit more high-tech, use a pressure washer, but be careful not to use too much pressure as this can dislodge the joint sealant or even damage the surfaces of your pavers.
Follow A Maintenance Checklist
A maintenance checklist is a great way of ensuring that, not only do your pavers get the attention they need, but also, it helps you remember to do it. As for what maintenance you carry out on your pavers, this will be a combination of generic maintenance that applies in all cases, and some more specific to the location of the pavers, for example.
Here is an example of a maintenance checklist that applies to pavers used in landscaped gardens
- Regularly sweep pavers
- Pressure clean/wash to remove stains/dirt/grime
- Check joints and repair as necessary
- Use fungicides/herbicides to ward off algae, weeds, moss etc.
- Ensure drains are clear for the water that runs off your paving
Seal Paving Stones
One recommendation many landscape design companies make to their clients is to seal each individual paving stone or slab. This provides many benefits which include prolonging the life of each paver, reducing the amount of maintenance required, protecting pavers from spills and moisture, and reducing the risk of permanent staining.
Sealing will also help each paving stone retain its appearance for longer as it helps ward off the growth of unsightly algae, moss, and mould.