Whether it’s a patio, walkway or retaining wall, your hardscape is an important part of the overall design and function of your property. Caring for it properly can prolong its life and increase the longevity of its appearance. 

Keep it Clean 

Hardscapes often fall by the wayside with landscaping, but this type of yard improvement adds value to a property and expands outdoor living areas. Pavers, concrete, and stones absorb dirt, salt, weeds, mold, mildew and oil from the sun and the elements. These substances can etch their way into the surface and create discoloration and damage. Keeping your hardscape clean is easy and can be done with a garden hose or broom. Debris such as leaves, dirt and weeds should be swept away regularly to avoid mold or stains. 

Check For Cracks 

One of the first things you should do is check your hardscape for cracks. While some cracks are normal and can be fixed cosmetically, others are a sign that there’s a problem with your foundation and should be addressed immediately. 

Replace Loose Sand 

Using quality loose sand in your paver project is key to maintaining the beauty and durability of your hardscape. The sand should be sharp-edged and contain varying grain sizes to ensure proper interlock between the pavers. If you are experiencing weeds popping up between your pavers, it’s likely that your loose sand is no longer effective. Replacing the sand with polymeric jointing sand, which hardens like cement and binds the joints, will help significantly prevent this issue from occurring. 

Remove Weeds And Vine 

A well-maintained hardscape is one of the most important things you can do for your garden. It adds beauty, masks unsightly areas, provides privacy and produces flowers. However, a problem vine or weed can be the opposite of all that. They can engulf plants, prevent light from reaching lower-growing vegetation and kill shrubs or trees. Fortunately, there are many non-chemical ways to deal with weeds and vines. These techniques include a combination of cultural practices, herbicides, and a systematic survey of your weed population. 

Seal It 

Whether your patio, walkway, driveway, or pool deck is new or old, sealing your pavers helps protect them from wear and tear. Investing in this simple maintenance task can keep your hardscape looking great for years to come! Sealing your pavers also helps prevent unwanted stains and damage. These stains can be from a variety of sources, including spilled drinks, grease on the grill, pet accidents, or even oil drips from cars. A quality water-based sealer will help repel these stains and protect your outdoor surfaces from the damage that they can cause. It will also make your pavers easier to clean and maintain.