December Outdoor Tasks

December sees the start of the winter season with days becoming a lot crisper and temperatures dropping. Although the normal tasks that come to mind when you think of outdoor maintenance cannot be done at this time of year, there are still tasks that need to be done to keep your managed outdoor space in good condition.

General Tasks For December

• Clear away any debris as and when needed
• Check over tools and equipment and give them a service to make sure that they are in working order ready for the next season
  • Take a look at our article on servicing spray equipment

Hard Surface Maintenance In December

• Surfaces lacking in daylight and constantly wet will go green with algae very quickly. Treat with a surface biocide for a slip-free winter!
• Wooden outdoor furniture or fencing can also be sprayed to remove green moss and algae
  • See our professional and home owner surface cleaners

Lawns/Turfed Areas

• Check for disease activity and treat appropriately
  • See our range of lawn fungicides here
• Snow and frost is more likely this month so keep traffic on your lawn to a minimum to avoid compaction of the soil and ruining frozen grass

Trees, Shrubs and Hedges

• Inspect for any signs of wind damage. Remove overgrown or sagging branches which catch the wind
• Clear off snow from conifers, hedges and shrubs
• Planting of deciduous trees and shrubs can continue as long as the soil is not frozen or waterlogged
• Provide extra protection with horticultural fleece for trees and shrubs that cannot be moved

Beds and Borders

• Cut down any dead growth to remove vegetation which will harbour disease. NB: pile up the cut vegetation and sticks in a quiet corner, to provide insect and animal sheltered habitat.