Tips for Maintaining Walkways, Patios, and Outdoor Features Before Winter
November 12, 2024
Hardscape Maintenance in Ormond Beach: Tips for Maintaining Walkways, Patios, and Outdoor Features Before Winter
As the cooler months approach in Ormond Beach (eventually...), it’s essential to give some attention to your hardscape elements, such as walkways, patios, and outdoor features. Proper maintenance not only keeps your outdoor spaces looking their best but also prevents potential damage from the elements. Here are some tips to ensure your hardscape is ready for the winter season.
1. Clean and Inspect All Surfaces:
Start by thoroughly cleaning all your hardscape areas, including patios, walkways, and driveways. Use a broom or blower to remove leaves, dirt, and debris. For deeper cleaning, use a pressure washer to eliminate built-up grime, mold, or mildew. Inspect the surfaces for any cracks, chips, or uneven areas. Address these issues promptly to prevent further damage from moisture and temperature changes.
2. Repair Cracks and Joints:
Even small cracks in your hardscape can become larger problems if left unattended. Use a suitable sealant or filler to repair any cracks in concrete, stone, or pavers. For paver patios or walkways, check the joints for any loose or missing sand and refill them with polymeric sand to keep the pavers secure and prevent weeds from growing.
3. Seal Patios and Walkways:
Applying a sealant to your hardscape surfaces can help protect them from moisture, stains, and the effects of temperature fluctuations. Choose a high-quality sealant that is appropriate for the material of your patio or walkway, whether it’s concrete, brick, or natural stone. Sealing not only enhances the appearance of your hardscape but also extends its lifespan.
4. Prepare Outdoor Features:
If you have outdoor furniture, fountains, or fire pits, now is the time to prepare them for winter. Clean and cover outdoor furniture to protect it from moisture and mildew. Drain and clean fountains, and consider using a fountain cover to prevent debris buildup. For fire pits, remove ash and debris and cover them to keep the area clean and ready for use during cooler nights.
5. Address Drainage Issues:
Check the drainage around your hardscape areas to ensure water is not pooling on or around walkways and patios. Poor drainage can lead to erosion and structural damage. Consider adding or adjusting drainage solutions, such as French drains or regrading, to direct water away from these areas.
Proper hardscape maintenance in November helps prevent damage and keeps your outdoor spaces looking beautiful throughout the winter. For expert assistance with all your hardscaping needs, contact Kennedy Landscaping. We’re here to help you maintain a stunning and functional landscape all year long!
Late January in Central Florida is the sweet spot for getting ahead. Growth is still slower, the weather is usually comfortable, and a little proactive work now can prevent common spring headaches like weeds, patchy turf, and overgrown beds. If you want your property looking its best when spring arrives, here are the smartest end-of-January moves to make. 1) Do a quick “winter damage” walk-through Before you add anything new, take 10 minutes to walk the property and look for: Thin or stressed areas in the lawn Broken branches or storm debris Plant beds that have washed out or lost mulch Drainage trouble spots (areas that stay soggy) Catching issues now makes repairs easier—and often less expensive—than waiting until peak growing season. 2) Get serious about weeds (before they spread) As temperatures start to bounce around, weeds can take advantage of slower turf growth. End-of-January is a great time to: Spot-treat visible weeds Tighten up mowing habits (proper height helps turf compete) Plan your pre-emergent timing for early spring (based on local conditions) A proactive weed plan now can make your lawn look dramatically cleaner by March. 3) Refresh bed edges and mulch for instant curb appeal If you want the fastest “before/after” improvement, this is it. Re-edge beds for clean, crisp lines Pull weeds and remove old debris Top off mulch to a consistent 2–3 inches Keep mulch a few inches away from plant stems and tree trunks This simple refresh makes the whole landscape look more intentional and professionally maintained. 4) Check irrigation and adjust for the season Many irrigation systems are still set too high from warmer months, or they’re running on autopilot. End-of-January checklist: Reduce run times if you’re seeing soggy spots Water early morning (avoid nighttime watering) Inspect for broken heads, leaks, and overspray Make sure coverage is even (dry corners are common) Smart irrigation adjustments help prevent fungus and protect roots—while saving water. 5) Prune selectively (and avoid common winter mistakes) Late winter is a good time for light shaping and removing dead or damaged growth, but it’s also when homeowners accidentally over-prune. Focus on: Removing dead, diseased, or hazardous branches Lightly shaping shrubs that are blocking walkways or windows Holding off on aggressive tropical pruning until the risk of cold snaps is lower If you’re unsure what to cut and what to leave, it’s worth getting a pro opinion—one bad pruning job can set plants back for months. 6) Plan your spring upgrades now (before schedules fill up) Spring is one of the busiest times for landscaping. Planning at the end of January helps you move first—especially if you’re considering: Seasonal color installations New plantings or landscape redesign Sod replacement or lawn recovery work Drainage improvements Landscape lighting upgrades Even if you don’t start the project immediately, having a plan keeps spring from turning into a scramble. Ready to get your landscape spring-ready? Kennedy Landscaping can help you tackle end-of-January cleanups, bed refreshes, irrigation checks, and seasonal planning—so your yard looks great now and performs even better when spring growth kicks in. Contact Kennedy Landscaping today to schedule a late-winter landscape checkup and get ahead of the spring rush.
January in Central Florida is a little different than “winter” in most places. Your lawn may slow down, but it doesn’t stop needing attention—especially after a busy holiday season, cooler nights, and occasional dry stretches. The good news: a few smart moves in January can prevent common problems (weeds, thinning turf, irrigation issues) and make spring lawn care easier and more effective. Here’s what to focus on now. 1) Adjust mowing (don’t scalp your grass) Warm-season grasses like St. Augustine, Bermuda, and Zoysia typically grow more slowly in January. That often leads homeowners to mow “extra short” to stretch time between cuts—but scalping can stress the lawn and invite weeds. Keep mowing as needed, but less frequently Avoid cutting more than one-third of the blade at a time Make sure mower blades are sharp for a clean cut 2) Watch for winter weeds before they take over Many Central Florida lawns see winter weeds pop up when turf growth slows. If you wait until weeds are everywhere, they’re harder to control—and they can crowd out healthy grass. Common winter weed troublemakers include: Chickweed Clover Annual bluegrass A proactive approach (spot treatment, proper mowing height, and a seasonal plan) helps keep weeds from becoming a springtime headache. 3) Check irrigation settings (most systems are still on “summer mode”) January usually means less evaporation and less plant water demand. If your irrigation schedule hasn’t changed since summer, you may be overwatering—one of the fastest ways to trigger fungus, root issues, and wasted water. Quick January irrigation checklist: Reduce run times and/or watering days Water early morning (not at night) Look for broken heads, leaks, or spray hitting sidewalks Make sure each zone is covering evenly 4) Clean up debris and protect turf from traffic Between holiday guests, cooler weather, and occasional storms, lawns can get compacted or smothered by leaves and debris. Remove leaves and branches so grass can breathe Pay attention to shaded areas (they stay damp longer) Limit heavy foot traffic on thin or stressed spots 5) Plan now for spring upgrades January is a great time to walk your property and make notes while growth is slower. You’ll see issues more clearly—thin areas, drainage problems, bed edges that need redefining, or spots that could use new plantings. Consider planning: A spring bed refresh (mulch, edging, seasonal color) Lawn recovery steps for thin or patchy areas Drainage improvements before rainy season returns A maintenance schedule that fits your property and goals Let Kennedy Landscaping help you start the year strong A healthy lawn in spring starts with smart decisions in winter. If you’d like help creating a seasonal plan, adjusting irrigation, tackling weeds, or keeping your property looking sharp year-round, Kennedy Landscaping is here for you. Contact Kennedy Landscaping today to schedule your January lawn and landscape checkup and start the new year with a yard you’ll feel proud of.
