We’re all guilty of it. Turning a blind eye to the peeling paint on the fence, the gutters sprouting sticks and leaves, or the hedge that is so unkempt and snaggly it’s starting to look rather sinister. After all, if it’s a sunny weekend, we have more enjoyable things to do than cleaning the gutters, and if it’s raining, well, best to stay inside all warm and snuggly. Delaying the chore of garden maintenance further.

Some outdoor chores are about aesthetics, some are about safety. Either way, they can’t be ignored forever because if you do, it could be at your own peril — and I can attest to that. Quite recently, ignoring an ever-growing mossy patch on the paving in my courtyard led to a rather ungainly slip and a hard, painful landing on the concrete. Once my full range of motion returned (and my dignity), cleaning the paving was first on my to-do list.

Deferring maintenance on your garden or anything outdoors may not always lead to danger, but once you do finally get around to doing what needs to be done, the tasks tend to be harder and take longer.

Accept the inevitable

“It seems that the days when spending a couple of hours pottering about in the garden was considered relaxing are becoming a thing of the past,” says Georgia Harper, landscape designer and founder of Georgia Harper Landscape Design. “With all of the pressures and distractions of modern life, many people are finding they have less time to spend in the garden than ever before. This is not to say that we don’t enjoy time spent in the garden; it’s just that most of us want this time to be about relaxing with a cool drink and a book rather than fertilising, pruning and pulling up weeds.

“The popularity of low-maintenance gardens has never been higher. And while there is no denying that more people are making the decision to go ‘low maintenance’, we need to ask ourselves, what does this really mean? In some people’s minds low maintenance means no maintenance, but is this realistic?

“The short answer is no. Every garden needs some degree of maintenance. The goal, then, is to create a garden that meets all of your needs while requiring the minimum effort to maintain it. As with anything worthwhile in life, effort is required — and a garden is no different. This is something you just have to accept, but with good planning and the right selection of plants and materials, it is possible to make any ongoing maintenance a lot easier.”

Happy plants

Just like us, when plants get stressed, they are more likely to get ill — and they’re more likely to struggle and waste resources. “The golden rule is to pick the right plants for the space,” says Georgia. “If a plant is right for the area it’s going into, it should require very little attention. Most plants need a lot of care only if they are under stress, which is usually caused by being placed in the wrong location — for example, a plant that requires sun being planted in the shade, and vice versa.

“Mulch is by far the very best tool to keep maintenance in any garden to a minimum. It means less watering, less weeding, and as it breaks down, mulch is an excellent soil conditioner for ongoing plant health. If you also ensure that the soil is properly prepared before any planting takes place, which might mean the addition of nutrients in the form of compost, then your plants will become established faster and be healthier, which means less ongoing care.

“There’s a multitude of irrigation systems on offer for the time-poor gardener, but drip line is the most water-efficient. By installing a drip-irrigation system under a layer of mulch (or a sub-surface system beneath an area of lawn), connecting it to your water supply and linking it all to a seven-day timer, you need never think about watering the garden ever again. Include a rain sensor that automatically switches the system off when it rains and you’ll be low maintenance and water-wise.”

Don’t fan the flames

In Australia, outdoor maintenance is not just about happy plants, it’s often about reducing the impact of bushfires. “There’s no way to entirely fire-proof your property, but property owners shouldn’t underestimate how much a good garden clean-up, prune and some clever plant choices can potentially make in reducing bushfire risks to your home,” says Matt Leacy, founding partner and principal designer of Landart. “As much as it may seem an obvious and tedious task, one of the best things you can do is to thoroughly prune and tidy up around your gardens and property. Clean gutters, especially if your house is surrounded by large trees. Also ensure all old dry leaves from autumn and winter are cleared out and away from your property and that dead branches are cut away and trees and other plants are trimmed right back away from your house.

“It’s useful to have at least some knowledge of how flammable the plants and trees are on your property. Trees that are known to ignite quickly include tea tree, Cyprus, pines, eucalypts and various other natives,” says Matt. “Obviously, if you have a beautiful, well-established eucalyptus tree, which is also an important wildlife habitat, you won’t want to remove it entirely. But you can prune back any deadwood and maintain it (check with your local council’s restrictions/guidelines first), as well as control what’s around it to reduce the associated fire risks.”

It’s not all play

Regular checks of swings, slides, cubby houses, tree houses, climbing frames and trampolines is important. Nails that have worked their way loose in a cubby can snag rompers and pierce delicate little fingers, while broken trampoline springs or missing safety padding can be a real hazard for kids of all ages.

“If you haven’t used your trampoline in a while, it is always a good idea to check it over — in fact you should inspect your trampoline before each use,” advises Shane Helm of Oz Trampolines. “Things to look out for include missing, faulty or improperly positioned safety padding; punctures, tears or holes in the safety net, tents, roof padding or mats; deterioration of the stitching or fabric of the mat or safety padding; broken or stretched springs and bent, uneven or unstable frames. If you notice any damage, change the parts immediately.”

You can prevent most of these things from happening with general, ongoing maintenance. “When your trampoline is not going to be used for an extended period of time, it is best to disassemble and store it in a safe, dry place,” continues Shane. “To protect your trampoline from foreign objects and to keep it clean, use a cover. When cleaning, especially mats and frame pads, don’t use aggressive cleaning products. Trampoline surfaces are best cleaned with mild soapy water and thoroughly rinsed with water afterward. For the best maintenance of your trampoline, also make sure no animals are allowed on the trampoline as they could damage both the frame pad and the jumping mat.”

Keep a solid footing

“Paving instead of garden beds (or lawn) might sound like a great idea, but it heats up, can get slippery and requires maintenance (sweeping and sealing) to keep it looking its best, so choose carefully. Plain, solid-coloured pavers show every mark and leaf drop, and you’ll be sweeping it often to keep it looking good. Natural stone’s irregularities disguise any marks, leaves or debris resting on the pavers and look nice with much less effort,” says Georgia.

“In damp, shady areas, decking may be the answer as it is elevated above ground level. This means rain, leaves and debris can pass through more easily. Of course, timber decking needs to be oiled and stained to prevent it from going grey. The other option might be one of the decking board alternatives made of recycled wood and plastic, which don’t require anything but the occasional wash or sweep.”

Leon Travis, general manager, sales and distribution for Boral Timber, says if you have timber decking, regular inspection and maintenance is recommended to ensure any splits, cracks or unpainted areas are attended to early on. “Any loose or damaged boards should be resecured or replaced, loose nails hammered back in or screws refixed,” he advises. “If the damage is extensive and boards or the entire deck needs replacing, Australian hardwood timber is an ideal choice as it can withstand harsh weather conditions, including rain, humidity, wind, salt and intense heat.”

Painting pointers

“Cleaning your home’s exterior will help maintain the appearance of your paint finish and remove the build-up of dirt, salt deposits, bird droppings, mould and other contaminants,” advises Erin Porter, Dulux category manager — Exterior & Speciality Coatings. “We recommend washing your painted exterior surfaces annually; not only will this maintain the life of the paint, it will also keep your home looking fresh. The best process for cleaning these surfaces without damaging the paint is by preparing a bucket of warm water mixed with a moderate amount of household detergent and apply to the painted area with a soft bristle brush, broom or soft cloth. Then, before your painted surface can dry, hose it down thoroughly with clean water.”

To reduce maintenance, choose the right paint to begin with and properly prepare the surfaces before painting. “Finding a paint that can withstand everything the Australian weather throws at it is very important, which is why we recommend using a high-quality acrylic exterior paint,” says Erin. “When painting the exterior of your home, preparation is the key to success. To start, make sure your surface is clean by thoroughly washing away any chalky residue, dirt, dust or mould from the surface, as the presence of contaminants can cause loss of adhesion to the new paint.

Using sandpaper to even out, smooth, degloss or remove existing paint from the surface is another crucial step in preparing for a quality finish.”

Do regular checks to see what needs work and get started on your garden maintenance — it’s always the better option.

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Preventative maintenance is key and will save you time and money in the long run.

Horticulturalist Colin Johnson from Earthlife, a leading provider of soil conditioners and fertilisers, says it pays to get to know your garden and keep a close eye on any changes. “I always say 50 per cent of gardening is observation,” he shares. So grab your morning cuppa and take a stroll around your garden from time to time. This will allow you to see what jobs might need doing and to assess the health of your plants.

Monitor your garden’s soil condition

Getting started on the right foot is important. When planning a garden, good design is crucial. This means what you’ve planted is getting sufficient sunlight/shade for its needs. Once you’ve planted the garden, soil condition is another key aspect of garden maintenance, as depleting minerals in the soil will impact on the health of plants over time.

Colin suggests introducing a mineral mix into the soil. “Try rock dust, which is volcanic minerals, and if you can source one with soil biology in it, that’s even better,” he adds. Every three months, throw it around the plants, which will build up the levels, then cut back to twice yearly. “Your aim is to create a natural soil ecosystem so the plants will tap into that,” explains Colin.

Add fertiliser if your plants need more nutrients

Getting the soil right is key, but even with added rock dust, sometimes plants might need a helping hand. “A supplemental boost of fertiliser can help if a plant isn’t flowering as well as it could be, or it might form buds but they fall off,” says Colin. “It’s a bit like us taking a multi-vitamin when we need it.”

Prune and edge plants regularly

Hedging and screening plants need regular maintenance so they don’t look scruffy and overgrown. Colin suggests regular pruning when the plants are young to keep them in shape. To begin with, work out the height and edge or line that you want the hedge to grow to. “The height is particularly important; if you let it get too tall, a hedge can lose the bottom foliage,” he points out. How frequently you trim hedging plants depends on the plant and its aspect. “For example, a popular hedging pant, lilly pilly, grows very fast, so you might need to trim it a few times during spring and through summer,” says Colin.

Caring for pond gardens

Inviting wildlife into your garden is a wonderful way to improve biodiversity; before you know it, butterflies, frogs, lizards and birds will be flocking in. One way to do that is with a pond, but ponds do require a little maintenance. Colin suggests removing leaf litter from the top of the pond every six weeks, and every year, thin out plants growing in the pond. If you continue to do this, and work to create a natural environment by inviting in wildlife, there’s a lot less maintenance, according to Colin. Getting it set up right will also reduce maintenance. “A few marginals in pots around the edges, like Sedges, and one or two oxygenators, like Ribbon Plant, will work well and after a couple of years, the pond will be self-sustaining,” he says.

Grass maintenance

The feel of soft grass underfoot is one of life’s simple pleasures, but it can take regular maintenance to keep it looking good. Give the lawn a watering when you see the leaf start to wilt, and mow regularly to keep it looking good. Joe Rogers from Lawn Solutions Australia says cutting grass encourages lateral growth to cover patchy areas. But when you do mow, don’t cut the grass too short. “The rule of thumb is to only take 30 per cent of the leaf or you’ll cause your lawn to scalp and discolour,” he says.

Routinely fertilising your lawn will keep it looking good. “An established lawn should be fertilised at the start of spring, middle of summer and around Easter as well,” explains Joe. If your lawn is struggling despite regular watering and fertilising, there could be an issue with grass compaction. Joes says to test it by poking a screwdriver into a few areas of the lawn. If the screwdriver is hard to remove, you need to aerate your lawn. “When a lawn is properly decompacted, it allows roots to grow more easily and air, water and nutrients can get deeper into the soil,” he says.

Even with a regular maintenance routine in place, it’s not always possible to have healthy, thriving natural lawns. Sometimes lawn areas don’t receive sufficient sunlight to grow grass well, or in high-traffic areas, kids and pets can leave grassy spaces looking like a dust bowl. Synthetic lawns can be a viable and attractive alternative. There’s no maintenance other than the occasional weed that might find its way through. For optimal results, have your artificial grass installed by an expert.

Tool time

Regular garden maintenance also means taking care of gardening tools. That’s because tools that aren’t cleaned regularly can spread dirt, fungi and weeds between garden beds. It’s also important to oil tools regularly. Turf equipment mechanic Wayne Morris says linseed or vegetable oil works well. “Apply to a cotton rag and rub over the front and back of the tool,” he suggests. “For tools that have moveable parts, like secateurs, apply a lubricant like lanolin.” For your lawnmower, Wayne advises an annual service. “Every 25 hours of operation, the air filter should be cleaned and the oil changed,” he recommends. “And remember that fuel stored for longer than six weeks needs fuel stabiliser added.”

Wily weeds

Weeds compete with plants for moisture and soil nutrients, so keeping on top of them is important for the health of your plants. It’s easier to hand pull weeds after a little light rainfall, but you can pour boiling water on them or use a weed spray — organic is always best.

Prevention is better than culling weeds. A good mulch layer will help to inhibit weeds, so refreshing mulch as part of your garden maintenance is a good idea. Colin says if you’re using a light mulch like tea tree, use a thin layer as it will form a mat, preventing water penetrating. “Planting close together will also discourage weeds because if there’s bare soil and it’s getting sufficient sunlight, nature will put something in there if you don’t,” he warns.

Watering equipment

Water is a precious commodity and regularly checking your drip irrigation system for broken hose joiners or leaks will ensure none is wasted. Do a visual check of hoses for cracks and leaks because if a watering system is exposed to full sun, over time it will soften and crack. “If the hose system hasn’t been used for a while, that’s when ants will get in and when you turn it on, ants will clog the sprinklers, so turn it on occasionally even when not using,” adds Colin.

Cleaning outdoor furniture

To keep outdoor furniture looking pristine, seasonal cleaning will help you keep on top of it. For aluminium furniture, give it a light hose and for any hard-to-remove stains, use warm soapy water. Timber furniture needs a light brush. Wash with warm soapy water, then dry immediately with another cloth to avoid water spots. Apply furniture oil every six to 12 months to keep it looking fresh and clean. For wicker furniture, clean with a soft brush to remove dirt and cobwebs, then give it a scrub with warm soapy water.

Outdoor cushions can become grubby over time, and regular spot checks to remove bird droppings is important. To clean, lightly hose them down and gently scrub with a mix of detergent and warm water, then hose them again and allow to dry.

Always check the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning outdoor furniture.

If in doubt, only use cleaning products on a small section to check for colour fastness.

Gutters for leaves

Checking for leaf build-up in gutters prevents blocked drains and pipes. Leaf build-up can lead to water finding its way into roof cavities, which can be a costly repair. A build-up of leaves in gutters is also a fire hazard. How often you’ll need to clear gutters depends on how close overhanging branches are to your home. Clean leaves by hand or use a leaf blower; you might need a hose and multipurpose cleaner if there is dirt build-up. Of course, safety is paramount. If you aren’t comfortable climbing a ladder, it’s a job best outsourced to a handyman service.

Cleaning the deck

Give your deck a good clean with a soft-bristle broom. You can give it an occasional mop, blower vac or light-pressure wash. How often you’ll need to reoil your deck depends on the amount of exposure to full sun, its location and the finish that’s applied. It’s generally recommended to reoil a deck every 12 months; check the oil manufacturer’s instructions for regular maintenance guidelines.

Gardens for wildlife

Want to attract wildlife to your garden? Colin suggests planting rosemary and lavender as these are two of the best plants to introduce bees, and small grevilleas to invite birdlife.

Colin says there is a misconception that for wildlife gardens have to be rambling and unkempt. “That’s not true; you can prune plants to shape and there are also beautiful ornamentals like Buddleia and Pentas that attract butterflies.”

Want more great gardening advice? Check out our garden tips archive

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The good news is that it is possible to reduce pool maintenance and improve water quality with a sanitisation system that relies more on modern technology.

Chlorine – be it tablets, liquid or salt generators – is the most common pool disinfectant. It’s a powerful sanitiser and historically effective at keeping pool water clean. Much of its popularity was based around the fact it performs three essential functions: sanitising (killing bacteria and germs), oxidising (controlling organic debris from perspiration and body oils), and deterring algae.

While chlorine has increasingly come under fire for its strong odour and ability to trigger respiratory conditions such as asthma, it’s actually the presence of chlorine by-products (chloramines) which cause the chemical reactions. Also known as combined chlorine, chloramines are formed when ‘free’ chlorine reacts with ammonia-like compounds called amines, which are introduced into the pool by urine and perspiration.

The secret to healthier pool water is a secondary sanitiser and pH controller

Most pool industry professionals would agree that chlorine alone is no longer the sole solution to maintaining clear, healthy pool water. In fact, there is growing awareness that you can enhance chlorine performance simply by adding an alternative, or secondary, sanitisation system.

Modern pools need an active residual and a secondary system that picks up where the residual stops. By combining proven and tested technologies, it is possible to have a pool that is clean, safe and clear.

Hydroxzone Ozonator produces hydroxyl radical, one of the most powerful oxidisers found in nature

Ozone systems are popular secondary sanitisers because of their ability to reduce the amount of chlorine usage to maintain a free available chlorine residual, which effectively destroys the chloramines that cause red eyes, dry skin and respiratory irritations. It also eliminates “shocking,” providing more oxidation than free available chlorine while simultaneously improving water clarity.

Waterco’s Hydroxzone Ozonators use hybrid patented technology to produce both ozone and hydroxyl radicals, which combine to add another level of effectiveness in terms of oxidation and sanitisation.

Hydroxzone system uses a modified VUV (high intensity ultraviolet light) ozone tube as a corona electrode to simulate nature (hybrid ozone acts like the sun). The result is an ozone generator that produces ozone using corona discharge technology and high energy light in one powerful system.

ChemFlo continuously analyses your pool water chemistry and controls the pool’s pH

Consistent pH levels are important for a number of reasons: they ensure the sanitiser works effectively, protects the pool and equipment from corrosion or scaling, reduces irritations like red eyes, and creates a more pleasant swimming experience.

Waterco’s ChemFlo automatic control system measures and precisely controls set levels of chlorine and pH balance through feedback from inline sensors. This ensures the safest possible swimming conditions. Costs are reduced by minimising chemical use and preventing excessive addition of chemicals that may damage the pool and its equipment.

Chemflo automatically maintains the required chlorine level and eliminate problems associated with periods of very high or low chlorine levels throughout the year. Fewer fluctuations in chlorine levels mean fewer fluctuations in pH levels. This adds up to more stable, balanced water.

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