Spring Cleaning Tips for Wooden Yard Structures

Warmer days and shorter nights mean it is time to get out garden tools and hoses, tidy up the yard and prepare your home’s wooden outdoor structures for spring and summer use.

Caring for decks, gazebos and pergolas, often made of Western red cedar, should be a regular part of the spring cleaning checklist. Routine maintenance, like cleaning surfaces of dirt and other debris and protecting wood from mold and mildew, can be done easily in a weekend.

“Many people choose Western red cedar because of the natural durability and beauty of the wood,” says Paul Mackie, western area manager, Western Red Cedar Lumber Association, or “Mr. Cedar” as he is known in the industry. “Preparing your outdoor living structure for a busy spring and summer is an important step to help maintain that beauty.”

Western red cedar contains natural preservatives that make the wood very durable and basic maintenance relatively simple. A broom, a garden sprayer, a little bleach and a hose are all you need.

Cleaning the Deck

Start with the deck. Inspect it for buildups of dirt that may have accumulated during the winter. Begin by sweeping the deck to remove debris, taking special care to clean between the planks and boards of horizontal surfaces. This will help spring rainfall drain from horizontal surfaces and allow air to flow between the boards. Reducing standing water and increasing airflow will limit the amount of moisture that can collect and stay on the surface of the plank.

Get Rid of Mold and Mildew

Killing mold and mildew that may have grown during fall or early spring is another important piece of deck maintenance, particularly for materials that have rough textures such as composite decks. Mackie recommends a simple solution of three parts water and one part oxygenated bleach be applied with a garden sprayer. Rinsing the treated areas with clean water once the solution is applied should eliminate mold and mildew.

Skip Pressure Washing

Do not pressure-wash wood, says Mackie, because “you can make it look like your grandfather’s corduroy pants.” Pressure-washing also can disrupt Western red cedar’s natural moisture resistance by forcibly pushing water into the wood. If you just cannot resist using your pressure-washer, keep it below 800 pounds per square inch.

Elevate Planters

Many outdoor living spaces are decorated with planter pots and boxes, but setting and leaving planters directly on wooden surfaces can stain.

The Web site realcedar.org recommends people elevate planters from deck surfaces so moisture can more easily evaporate from wood planks. Adequate airflow keeps the area drier and allows Western red cedar’s natural preservatives to protect the wood.

Care for Gazebos and Siding

Check gazebos and pergolas, as well as any wooden siding on the house itself, for dirt, mold and mildew. Clean away any dirt, and treat the siding or structures with the oxygenated bleach solution if needed.

Water, dirt, pollen and mold tend to collect and sit on horizontal surfaces. Left alone, they become a harmful cocktail that can speed up the deterioration of otherwise healthy wood.

Preparing an outdoor structure for spring and summer use is simple and well worth the minimal time invested. Following these easy steps is a sure formula to protect your wooden structures and maintain their natural beauty for years to come.

Courtesy of ARAcontent