A shed specialist has issued a warning about the key signs that a garden might not withstand what is predicted to be a colder, windier and wetter winter this year. As temperatures are expected to drop in the coming weeks, the expert advises that it’s time to concentrate on winter preparations.
The team at Crown Pavilions, suppliers of luxury garden rooms, are drawing attention to the warning signs to watch for and why gardeners should address them now to prevent potential permanent damage.
Winter impacts everything from plants and furniture to garden rooms. Stormy weather can knock down fences and sheds, prolonged snow can freeze soil, and cold temperatures can kill susceptible plants.
Here are the 12 warning signs to keep an eye out for in your garden, reports the Express.
Sheds
Leaky shed roofs:
If a shed roof is cracked or leaking, it allows rain and snow to get in, leading to rot, mould, and structural damage to your shed and its contents.
Rusty hinges:
If the shed doors aren’t securely fastened or the hinges are rusty, winter winds can cause further damage, making the shed vulnerable to snow build-up.
Poor insulation:
A draughty shed won’t protect sensitive garden tools or equipment, leaving them exposed to freezing temperatures and moisture accumulation.
Fences
Rotten wood or rusted metal:
Wooden fences showing signs of rot or decay, or metal fences with rust patches are at risk of collapsing under the weight of snow or strong winter winds.
Leaning panels:
If your fence is shaky or has panels that are coming loose, it might not withstand the severe winter storms and could collapse, leaving your garden exposed and unprotected.
Unsecured posts:
If your fence posts are weak, it’s a clear indication that your fence won’t make it through the winter. Make sure your posts are securely set to avoid any movement or falling over in the frozen ground.
Garden furniture
Lightweight furniture:
Plastic or lightweight metal furniture can easily be damaged or blown away by harsh winter winds if they’re not secured or put away.
Rusty metal furniture:
If your metal garden furniture is showing signs of rust, it may deteriorate further over the winter, especially with exposure to rain and snow, potentially making it unusable by spring.
Cracks in wooden furniture:
If your wooden furniture is cracked or untreated, it can absorb moisture from rain and snow, leading to swelling, rot, and long-term damage.
Grass
Thin or patchy lawn:
A weak lawn with bald patches is more likely to suffer from frost heave, where repeated freezing and thawing can damage the grassroots.
Leaves or debris left on the lawn:
If your lawn is covered with leaves or debris, it can suffer from blocked sunlight and trapped moisture, encouraging mould growth and preventing recovery in spring.
Overly compacted soil:
Soil that is overly compacted struggles with drainage, leading to standing water or ice that can damage grass over winter.