Landscape Structures Maintenance LHAP 303

1. Landscape Structures Maintenance

2. Retaining Wall Maintenance

Heavy rains can cause some discoloration Cleaning products available

Use a bristle brush to scrub stained areas Start with nylon

Move to steel if the area has major staining Test on a small surface

Cleaning & Sealing a Retaining Walls Moss growth in the stone crevices

• Pressure washing

Fill in eroded areas from water runoff and snowmelt

Depressions can lead to pooling Erodes stone faster

3. Retaining walls should be inspected regularly

• Look for cracks or gaps

Patch ASAP to prevent from getting worse over time

Look for bulges where the soil is shifting May need some intense repairing

• If you have any drainage pipes

Inspect regularly and remove debris to ensure there are no clogs in your weeping tile

Use plants to keep the soil compact and sturdy Fill in dead spots

Roots help hold the soil in place and reduce erosion

Mulch areas of the soil surface to reduce runoff

4. Paver Maintenance

• Regular wear overtime

Top up with fresh sand if needed Soil and weeds fill in the cracks between pavers

Moss growth can be unsightly and get out of control

5. Prevent damage

Cracking & shifting Cleaning, sealing & weed control are the main ones!

• Use polymeric sand
• Hardens when moistened

Holds pavers in place and prevents weeds from growing in the first place

Ensure all sand excess sand is off before spraying

• Regular sweeping

Debris and dirt from on top and in between pavers

• Brick Paver Maintenance

6. Spray pavers with a hose

Wash away grime on a regular basis (couple times a year, or when needed)

Avoid spraying right into the joints particularly if you use regular sand

Use a shop vac to get into the difficult to reach areas

• Scrub away stains

Use a mild detergent and a wire brush to remove stains

Rinse soap away afterwards Seal the pavers every couple of years (??)

Use a sealant designed for pavers and apply evenly

7. Natural Stone Maintenance

Power washers, rugged brooms and wire brushes are not recommended for cleaning natural stone.

Basics of cleaning exterior stone include

• Sweeping
• Dusting
• Wiping

Never let dirt, debris, or liquid spills sit & accumulate

If exposed to rain let it dry naturally

8. Sweep in a horizontal or vertical motion

Finish sweeping in the opposite direction Use only a natural-stone cleaner

Should be cleaned with a specially formulated granite outdoor stone cleaner

• Muriatic Acid

Muriatic Acid Patio Cleaning Protect exterior stone with a sealant

Thoroughly clean surface before applying granite sealer

Apply when water spotting is noticed, puddles leaving dark spots

9. Remove mold & mildew

Reduce mold & mildew by keeping surface clean (dirt and debris)

Use a 50/50 solution of bleach & water (test spot)

• For mold removal

Can use a gentle pad or nylon brush to scrub away mold

• Seal after removing mold buildup

10. Poured Concrete Maintenance

Regular cleaning of concrete can be by

Regular sweeping of debris Remove loose dirt, grime and leaves

Wash down with a regular hose to do basic cleaning

Pressure wash with a mild detergent for a deep clean

• Avoid harsh chemical cleaners

A leaf blower can give some extra assistance during spring & fall cleanup

Good to use soon after a winter storm to avoid ice buildup and reduce the use of salts

How to Remove Oil Stains from & Concrete Driveway

11. To lift grease spots

Use a alkaline degreaser to remove oil Use with hot water

• Oxalic acid to lift rust stains

12. For stamped concrete:

Important to remove dirt, leaves and other debris that might scratch the surface

A broom, leaf blower or garden hose weekly to remove debris

• Reseal every 2-3 years

Protect the color and sheen of stamped concrete Helps block out penetrating dirt, dust & stains

• Protects against wear and abrasion

13. For high wear areas another option is to use a floor polish or wax

• For extra protection

Polish must be formulated for stamped concrete Avoid de-icing salts & chemicals

Dulls and cracks stamped surface over time

14. Wood Structure Maintenance

Mold & algae keep moisture in your deck This is not good for the wood as it keeps moisture in

• Damages the wood

For decks it causes an extremely slippery surface which can be hazardous

15. Fences & decks are subject to the damaging effects of weather

Maintenance is critical to prevent discoloration caused by

• Dirt, moss, algae

It doesn’t take long before you have a dinghy deck with splinters and a treacherous surface

16. Maintaining wood fences

Signs your wood fence needs maintenance

Water no longer beads up when soaked (about every 2 - 5 years)

Apply a wood or fence cleaner Coat the entire fence

• Apply between boards as well

Let sit for 20 mins (soak time will depend on the product used)

Pressure wash off cleaner - Let fence dry for 24 hrs before applying a stain or sealant

• Restain with a roller or brush

17. How to maintain a wood deck:

Remove loose paint or deck stain with a scraper Scrape down to bare wood

Sand down scraped areas or entire deck with a light sanding

All edges must be smooth and even

Use a stiff bristle brush after to remove any flaking stain or dirt

Apply deck cleaner with a stiff deck brush This is an important step to ensure quality staining

Pressure wash deck surface thoroughly to remove cleaning solution

Try to use a lower power setting or fan spray nozzle

Wood can be damaged with a high direct pressure spraying

18. A deck can be stained with a couple different choices of tools

• Pump sprayer
• Paint brush
• Paint roller
• Or combination
• Choose a good quality stain and

Some options for stains are clear, semi-transparent and solid

19. Apply two coats on the same day

Choose good weather for staining Use the same stain for both coats (style & manufacturer)

Maintain consistency, aesthetics & protection Use a clean brush

Clean well or wrap brush after first application

• Want a smooth finish
• Blot excess stain

Use a soft cloth to blot pools of stain Tips for staining: How to apply stain

Wood must be completely dry 15-25 C for fast drying

• Humidity below 80% Avoid direct sunlight

20. Pressure Washer Basics

Read the owner's manual Always use pressure washer for its intended purpose

• Always wear appropriate PPE

Safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, closed-toe shoes and cover your arms & legs

Use the appropriate spray tip (also called pressure washer nozzle)

The lighter the tip color the wider the nozzle tip

Check the pressure rating for what you are cleaning (PSI)

Lower PSI for light duty (1600) and high PSI (3600) for more heavy duty tasks

How to use A Gas Pressure Washer How to use a pressure washer

• Flat Surface Cleaner

21. Selecting the Right Nozzle for the Job

• Start with a wider angle nozzle

Start 4 ft away from a surface when first using or changing to a different nozzle

Always test on a small area of the surface you intend to pressure wash

Replacing o-ring for a pressure hose Quick Connect to switch out nozzles

⅜” Female Quick Connect Coupler Ensure compatible with pressure washers

• 4000-PSI