With the arrival of summer, temperatures are gradually rising, and people may be getting ready to relax or have a barbecue in their yard. Therefore, they may move furniture to their outdoor patios or even place them directly on the lawn. However, experts are warning that placing furniture on the grass can not only damage the lawn but also harm the furniture itself.
Ali Wooldridge, one of the founders of the British garden furniture company, Gardenesque, told the Birmingham Mail that putting furniture on the grass is a big no-no. Wooldridge emphasized that from an aesthetic perspective, this practice will not only ruin your furniture but also cause them to deteriorate over time. She explained that even the highest quality furniture cannot withstand prolonged exposure to moisture and damp conditions.
Furthermore, the weight of the furniture can impede grass growth, leading to bare patches and soil exposure, when grass should ideally thrive during the spring and summer seasons.
Wooldridge recommends using furniture covers to protect outdoor furniture. These covers help prevent leaves, dust, and dirt from the garden from settling on the furniture surfaces. She advises regularly lifting and shaking off the cover to allow air circulation and prevent moisture buildup, which can promote mold growth.
While it’s acceptable to place furniture under trees or tall shrubs, Wooldridge notes that you may need to invest more time in regular cleaning to keep up the appearance and quality of the furniture, by regularly clearing fallen leaves and debris.
As spring blossoms, many households are gearing up to tend to their lawns to restore their beauty after enduring the harsh winter. Paul Hope from Consumer Reports suggests clearing thick layers of fallen leaves from the lawn in spring to avoid hindering sunlight and normal grass growth.
Sara Stricker, a researcher at the Guelph Turfgrass Institute, recommends overseeding with any suitable grass seed for your lawn. Manual weeding and proper fertilization also contribute to a healthier lawn.
In the wake of these maintenance tips, it’s essential to care for both your lawn and outdoor furniture properly to enjoy the upcoming summer season fully.