As the fall season settles in, it's the perfect time to assess and maintain your hardscapes to ensure they remain in top shape for the months ahead. Our hardscape expert, John Guidon, shares his top fall maintenance tips to keep your pavers and patios looking pristine and functioning efficiently.
Paver Joint Maintenance
Over time, the material that fills the joints between your pavers—whether it's masonry sand or polysand—can begin to erode or break down. This allows voids in the joints to be filled with organic matter, which can encourage weed or vegetative growth. Here's how to stay ahead of it:
- Loss of Joint Material: Regularly inspect the joints between your pavers. If you notice the sand or polysand has eroded, it's important to replenish the material. This not only prevents weed growth but also helps maintain the stability of the pavers.
- Weed Growth: If you notice weeds growing between the pavers, early intervention is key. For isolated areas, a quick fix can be achieved with a spray or by scraping and pulling the weeds. In more aggressive cases, pressure washing and complete joint replacement may be required.
- Preventative Care: To keep your patio in good condition, perform routine cleaning using a leaf blower or by lightly washing the area. This is best done at the same time you mow your lawn. If you use a pressure washer or blower, direct the airflow or water horizontally to avoid dislodging too much joint material. After cleaning, inspect for any open spaces and add additional polysand if necessary. For regular maintenance, a small amount is acceptable even if it doesn’t fully bond with the original sand—it will hold until you perform a more thorough joint replacement.
Loose or Shifting Pavers
Loose or shifting pavers can detract from the beauty of your outdoor space and potentially cause safety hazards. John offers the following insights into why this happens and how to fix it:
- Damaged Edge Restraints: Paver patios are usually stabilized by edge restraints, which could be plastic strips secured with spikes or cobblestones mortared in place. If you notice horizontal movement at the edges, the edge restraints may need repair or replacement.
- Surrounding Conditions: Irrigation systems, downspouts, or grading that directs excessive water onto your hardscapes can weaken the subbase, causing pavers to shift.
- Sunken or Heaved Pavers: Pavers may sink or heave due to subbase failure or nearby root systems. In colder months, freeze-thaw cycles can exacerbate this problem by causing the pavers to move.
- Elevated Pavers: If you find that some pavers are elevated, it could be due to excessive water flow from surface runoff or broken underground irrigation pipes. These issues erode the subbase and cause pavers to rise.
At James River Nurseries, we have the expertise to evaluate, recommend, and execute the corrective solutions necessary to keep your pavers looking their best. By addressing these common fall maintenance concerns, you’ll ensure your hardscapes remain sturdy and beautiful through the seasons. Interested in learning more on how we can help you maintain? Reach out to us today!
