About Me

Creating An Inviting Yard

I have always been one of those people who loves to create a warm, inviting atmosphere for others, which is why I started looking at landscaping design in the first place. It was incredible to me to see how much of a difference I was able to make by adding a few new plants, and after that first project, I wanted to help other people. I started volunteering to help friends and neighbors do their landscaping, and after a few months, I had developed quite a following. This blog is all about creating a warm, inviting yard through smart landscaping and an eye for detail.

Creating An Inviting Yard

Four Ways To Keep Your Paver Patio Looking Its Best

by Addison Washington

A patio made from pavers is convenient to build, and if one of the pavers becomes damaged, replacing it is easier than having to re-pour or refinish a concrete patio. Yet, there are some intricacies to caring for a patio made from stone or concrete pavers. Follow the tips below to keep your paver patio looking fresh and clean.

1. Sweep the pavers before it rains.

If it looks like it is going to rain outside, head out and sweep your pavers with a broom. A lot of debris, like leaves and sticks, can leave stains on your pavers if it becomes water-soaked. It's actually a good habit to sweep your pavers daily, even if rain is not expected. This way, if there is a surprise rain shower when you're gone at work, you won't come home to stained pavers.

2. Pressure wash the pavers once a year.

In addition to daily sweeping, you want to give the pavers a thorough cleaning with water once a year. The best way to do this is with a pressure washer. Sweep the pressure washer back and forth across the pavers, and place it on the medium setting. Pressure washing will loosen any beginnings of mold or mildew that a regular garden hose may not loosen adequately. If you see a lot of mold on your pavers, you may want to use a mold-fighting cleaner with the power washer; otherwise, plain water will work just fine.

3. Seal the pavers.

After your pavers have been installed, make sure you apply a stone or concrete sealer to their surface. Wait for a dry day when rain is not expected for at least 48 hours. Then, gently paint the sealer on with a brush -- as you would with paint. If the bottle says to do so, you may need to let the sealer dry and then apply a second coat. Re-seal your pavers every one to two years to keep liquid and staining materials from penetrating them.

4. Trim around the pavers.

Nothing looks worse than grass growing up between pavers! Make sure you pull out any grass or weeds that appear as soon as you notice them. Also, keep the grass around the edge of the pavers trimmed back so it does not look too shaggy. You can apply weed killer to the spaces between pavers if needed to keep weeds and grass under control. 

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