When the weather takes a turn for the worst, which is often the case in Britain, we do everything possible to protect ourselves (coats, gloves, hoods), and our homes (it’s always a good idea to close the windows when it’s raining, after all), so why don’t we do the same with our gardens?
As well as keeping your garden looking its best, weatherproofing your garden can also save you a huge amount of time, stress, and money compared to not doing so.
If you already put a large amount of effort into your garden, you may feel like weatherproofing is unnecessary. However, there are many ways to protect your much-loved garden against the elements. In most cases, prevention is the best cure.
When it comes to sheds, make sure to plan ahead
Treating yourself to a new shed can make a world of difference to your garden. If you’re thinking of splashing out on one, there are two main things you should have a think about first; building materials, and placement.
Many opt for wooden sheds for their traditional and homely look, without being aware that other options are available. Wood isn’t necessarily a great option in wetter climates, and can easily rot and collapse if rained on excessively. This, as well as damaging the shed, can leave it much easier to vandalise or break into.
If you absolutely must have a wooden shed, invest in one of the many treatment options available. Many strengthen the wood of the shed, and make it much more waterproof/rot proof. Be sure that the shed is well secured to the ground by using corner posts dug deep into the ground and concreted into place. This will help stop any strong gusts of wind from lifting or moving it in the winter.
Another option you could consider is purchasing a concrete shed. Concrete is a much more secure option as opposed to wood, is fireproof, and is much more resilient against the weather, though it can be an eyesore, if not built to compliment the style of your existing house.
Once you’ve settled on a building material, think about where it is in your garden that you want to place your shed. Whatever your choice, make sure it’s out of the path of rain as much as possible, built high enough in case of flooding and that it can’t be easily accessed by vandals or thieves.
Make rusting a thing of the past
Have you ever bought a brand new set of garden tools, only to accidentally leave them out in the rain and have them rust beyond repair? You’re not the first.
Stop this from happening again by making sure all metal gardening tools are stored somewhere away from moisture whilst they aren’t being used. If they do get wet somehow, wipe them dry as soon as you notice, using wire wool to clean any rust off. Spraying your metal tools with WD-40 or equivalent water displacer can help prevent rust throughout the winter months; this’ll likely prevent rust from forming.
If it’s a much larger metal object that you’re concerned about, such as a dining set, cover it over with a tarpaulin whilst it’s not being used, or if you know there’s a risk of rain that day. It may not be the most pleasing thing to look at, but it’s better than having to fork out money because something has rusted beyond repair. Be sure that if there are strong winds forecast, that everything is securely tied down.
Be wise with weather forecasts
Get into the habit of checking the weather forecast before you leave the house each day, and before you go to bed each night. This way, you can prepare for any weather that comes your way.
- If you find out it’s going to rain during the day on the morning, you can put any garden tools away.
- If you find out it’s going to snow overnight, you can cover over any plants, and insulate outside taps and pipes.
- If there are strong winds forecast, take down any hanging baskets, remove plants from window sills and secure any outside furniture.
Re-think your fencing
It’s nice to have fencing that looks good, but you have to remember that the main purposes of a fence are its practical ones. A delicate wooden fence may look lovely in the summer, but it won’t last a second in the winter.
If your fence becomes damaged, or even collapses, it could lead to pets escaping, vandals or thieves entering your garden, or even invasions from pests. If you absolutely must have wooden fencing, make sure it is designed and built for strength and durability.
Metal fencing is a much better option in terms of strength, durability, and sturdiness in the face of unruly weather, but it can often be a bit of an eyesore depending on its design.
There are thousands of different fencing solutions out there; it’s just a case of weighing up the pros and cons of each, deciding what would be best for your needs and your garden, and having a shop around.
This article was provided by Four Seasons Fencing, based in Kent. Four Seasons Fencing has over 15 years’ experience in the fencing industry.