Ideally, we would all spend our weekends enjoying our gardens, not working on them. But a little strategic timing can save you huge amounts of effort (and money) in the long run.
If you oil your deck in a wet October, you’ve wasted your money. If you try to fix a fence post in frozen January ground, you’ll break your back.
At Joe's Fencing, we believe in working smarter, not harder. Here is our essential calendar for maintaining the hard landscaping in your Bristol home.
Spring (March – May): The Inspection & Clean
March: The Storm Check Bristol winds are notorious in late winter. As soon as the weather calms:
- Walk your boundary line. Push every fence post. If it moves at the base, mark it for repair.
- Check for "widow makers"—loose branches hanging over your shed or greenhouse.
April: The Patio Wash Before the BBQ season starts:
- Pressure wash your patio slabs to remove winter slime.
- Top Tip: If you have Indian Sandstone, check the pointing (the cement between slabs). Frost often pops it out. Refill gaps now to stop weeds taking hold.
May: Deck Prep Scrub your decking. Use a dedicated cleaner to kill algae spores. Let it dry thoroughly (3-4 dry days) before thinking about oil.
Summer (June – August): The Treatment Phase
June: Timber Treatment This is the golden window. The wood is dry, and the sun is warm (but hopefully not scorching hot).
- Apply UV oil to decking and fence panels.
- Pro Tip: Don't apply oil in direct midday sun on a 30°C day. It dries too fast and doesn't soak in. Do it in the evening.
July: Gate Adjustment Wood shrinks in the heat. You might find your gate latch stops engaging because the gap has widened.
- Adjust the hinges or move the keep.
- Grease the hinges with silicone spray to stop the summer squeak.
August: The "Clay Watch" In dry Bristol summers, clay soil shrinks away from concrete post foundations.
- Check for gaps appearing around the base of your posts. Fill them with soil or gravel to keep the post tight.
Autumn (September – November): The Defence
September: Last Chance to Paint This is your final warning. If you didn't treat your fence in June, do it now. Once the October damp sets in, you can't paint until next year.
October: The Leaf War Wet leaves are the biggest killer of wooden decks.
- Sweep your deck every week.
- Clear out ACO drains (drainage channels) on your driveway. If they clog with leaves now, your drive will flood in November.
November: Vegetation Cut-Back Cut back ivy, creepers, and shrubs.
- Why? In winter, these plants hold water and act like a sail, adding massive weight and wind resistance to your fence panels. Reduce the load before the gales hit.
Winter (December – February): The Lockdown
December: Protect the Taps Fit an insulated cover to your outside tap. It costs £5 and saves you a £150 plumber's bill.
January: Stay Off the Wood If your deck is frozen or covered in snow, don't walk on it unless you have to. Walking on frozen wood fibres can snap them, leaving marks that never go away. Avoid using rock salt on decking—it dries out the natural oils.
February: The Planning Phase This is the best time to book landscapers. We are quieter in winter. If you want a new patio for summer, book the quote now. If you wait until May, you'll likely be in a queue until August.
Need help with the heavy lifting? From pressure washing to fence repairs, we can handle the maintenance tasks you don't have time for.
Featured Image Image [A calendar graphic superimposed over a garden scene, highlighting key tasks like "Oil Deck" in Summer and "Clear Leaves" in Autumn.] Image Alt Text [Year-round garden maintenance calendar for Bristol homeowners] Tags Select Tags Garden Calendar Maintenance Schedule Fencing Decking Care Bristol SEO Settings Meta Title Seasonal Maintenance Calendar for Your Outdoor Spaces Meta Description Keep your garden structures safe year-round. Our monthly maintenance calendar covers fencing, decking, and patio care for Bristol homes.