Gardeners’ World host Monty Don said that brick and stone paths can get dangerous this time of year and it is important to treat your paths in order to make sure they stay safe
Monty Don has warned that gardeners with hard paths need to do one job as the winter weather starts to get colder.
The Gardeners’ World host said that brick and stone paths can get dangerous this time of year due to becoming slippery. It is important to wash your paths in order to make them safe, the gardening expert has recommended.
The best tool for the job is a pressure hose, Monty said, which can be hired if you do not own one. Washing off accumulated algae is a great way to ensure your paths remain safe over the winter.
The TV gardening presenter also recommended brushing sharp sand over brick or stone paths in his November blog. This will ensure a good grip on the surface and help prevent slips and falls.
He said: “At this time of year brick and stone paths can be very slippery and dangerous. This is due to algae that grows on the surface, especially if wet and shaded and at this time of year they may stay wet and slippery for months.
“The best way to reduce the slipperiness is to wash off the algae with a pressure hose (which can be hired by the day). When this is done brush in sharp sand.
“If the path is brick or stone the porous surface will absorb some of the sand. A quicker – but still quite laborious – alternative is simply to work sand in with a stiff brush without the washing.
“Either way you have a very effective way of making a path safe without resorting to chemicals.”
