You know how the saying goes, “Your home is your castle.” But what about the patio? It’s that special place where you entertain friends, enjoy quiet mornings, or even just relax after a long day. A well-kept patio can be a delight to the eyes and a boost to your property’s value.
However, keeping that outdoor space neat and attractive can sometimes be a hard task, especially if you’re juggling a busy schedule. I have found ways to make my patio maintenance a lot easier by simply stopping certain practices.
Here are the 12 things I stopped doing that made my patio low-maintenance.
1. Overcrowding the Space
In the past, I used to clutter my patio with an abundance of furniture and accessories. I thought the more, the merrier. But, I realized this was counterproductive as it increased my maintenance tasks.
Now, I have adopted a minimalist approach, keeping only the necessary items. The open space reduces the time spent on cleaning and rearranging furniture. Also, it prevents the patio from becoming a dumping ground for unused items. This way, my patio stays organized, appealing, and low-maintenance.
2. Ignoring the Weather
Before, I used to ignore the weather forecast when planning my patio. I would use furniture and accessories without considering how they would fare in different weather conditions. This led to frequent repairs and replacements.
Now, I always consider the local climate when choosing patio furniture and accessories. I opt for weather-resistant materials that can withstand the elements, reducing the need for constant repair and replacement. This simple change has significantly cut down my patio maintenance tasks.
3. Neglecting Plants
I used to buy any plant that caught my eye without considering its maintenance needs. This led to a high-maintenance patio garden that required constant watering, pruning, and attention.
Now, I opt for low-maintenance plants that flourish in my local climate with minimal intervention. For instance, succulents and native plants have become my go-to choices. They not only add beauty to my patio but also require less care, making my patio easy to maintain.
4. Using High-Maintenance Flooring
In the past, I had patio flooring that required regular sealing and cleaning. This added to my maintenance chores and took up a lot of my time.
I’ve since switched to low-maintenance flooring options like concrete or composite decking. They are durable, easy to clean, and require little to no sealing. This change has made a huge difference in the amount of work required to keep my patio looking great.
5. Ignoring Regular Cleaning
I used to let dirt and debris accumulate on my patio, thinking I would do a big clean-up at the end of each season. This approach, however, made the cleaning task daunting and time-consuming.
Now, I do small clean-ups regularly, which keeps the space tidy and reduces the amount of work required during major clean-ups. Regular sweeping and wiping down of furniture goes a long way in maintaining a low-maintenance patio.
6. Leaving Furniture Uncovered
Before, I used to leave my patio furniture exposed to the elements all the time. This led to quick wear and tear and frequent replacements.
I now use protective covers for my furniture when not in use. This simple practice extends the life of my furniture and reduces maintenance tasks such as painting and repairs.
7. Over-Watering Plants
I used to over-water my plants thinking it would make them grow better. However, it only led to waterlogged plants and more maintenance.
Now, I water my plants as per their specific needs. This not only keeps them healthy but also reduces the time I spend on plant care.
8. Using Complicated Lighting Systems
I used to have complex lighting systems that required frequent maintenance. I realized that simpler is better when it comes to patio lighting.
I’ve switched to solar-powered lights that require little to no maintenance. They automatically turn on at dusk, eliminating the need for manual operation, and are a sustainable choice as well.
9. Not Planning for Pests
In the past, I did not consider pests when planning my patio. This led to regular pest infestations and increased maintenance.
Now, I use plants known to repel pests and have incorporated a bird feeder to attract birds that eat common pests. This has significantly reduced pest-related problems on my patio.
10. Neglecting Drainage
Before, I didn’t pay much attention to the drainage on my patio. This led to water accumulation and increased maintenance work.
I’ve since improved the drainage system to prevent waterlogging. This has helped avoid the growth of moss and algae, reducing the cleaning work.
11. Using Non-Durable Furniture
I used to buy inexpensive patio furniture without considering its durability. This led to frequent replacements and increased maintenance.
Now, I invest in durable, high-quality furniture that can withstand the elements. Although it might cost more upfront, it saves me time and money in the long run.
12. Not Using Mulch
In the past, I didn’t use mulch in my patio garden. This led to more weeding and watering.
Now, I use mulch to suppress weeds and retain moisture in the soil. This simple practice has made a big difference in maintaining my patio garden.