I’m a gardening expert, my quick and easy tips will stop mould building on outdoor furniture before Spring

All recommendations within this article are informed by expert editorial opinion. If you click on a link in this story we may earn affiliate revenue. IT MAY seem a long way off but it won’t be long before we’ll be sitting outside enjoying the spring weather.

However, there is nothing more disappointing than going to use your garden furniture to find that it’s covered in mould. Lena says: “Garden furniture is constantly exposed to the elements, which can cause significant wear and tear if not properly maintained.

“Rain, wind, sun, and temperature fluctuations all take their toll on materials, leading to deterioration over time. “Wooden furniture is particularly susceptible to moisture, which can cause rot, warping, or splitting, while metal pieces are at risk of rust and corrosion if they aren’t protected.

“Even synthetic materials like plastic or rattan can fade, crack, or become brittle when exposed to prolonged sunlight.”. Here Lena shares four jobs to get your furniture in top condition before Spring arrives. Early spring is the perfect time to give your garden furniture a thorough clean, before the weather truly warms up and you start using it daily.

A deep clean with soapy water or specialist cleaner takes just an hour or two but will prevent mould, mildew, and dirt build-up, keeping your furniture looking its best all season. For wooden furniture, use warm soapy water and a soft brush to lift dirt, then rinse thoroughly and let it dry completely. Metal furniture benefits from a wipe down with a damp cloth and rust treatment for any problem spots.

Rattan and plastic can be washed with a mild detergent and a hose, just avoid pressure washers, as they can weaken the material over time. To keep your wooden garden furniture in top condition, regular care is essential and the best approach depends on the type of wood. Materials like polywood are the easiest to maintain, simply clean it with warm, soapy water as needed.

Teak should be washed occasionally with water and a soft brush to remove dirt, using a suitable teak cleaner once or twice a year and you should avoid power washers, as they can cause damage. Acacia benefits from an annual light sanding and reapplication of a PU coating.

If your wooden furniture needs a refresh, aim to sand and re-coat it in March or April, when temperatures are consistently above 10°C but before the heat of summer. Regularly tighten screws, and when not in use, protect the furniture with a weatherproof cover, ensuring it is clean, dry, and well-ventilated before covering. You must avoid storing acacia in artificially heated spaces, as temperature fluctuations can cause cracking and if left uncovered in extreme weather, it may fade over time.

For all wooden furniture, make sure to purchase protective mats for drinks or objects before the spring and summer months, which will help to prevent stains and damage. Spring is the ideal time to check for loose screws, rust, or weather damage on metal and rattan furniture.

A quick maintenance check, taking no more than 30 minutes, can prevent minor issues from becoming costly repairs later in the season. Gardening experts over at Toolstation have revealed the garden laws you need to be aware of not breaking. While some of these laws could land you with a fine of up to £20,000 in extreme cases, a friendly chat with your neighbours can usually resolve any issues.

Tree removal and pruning: If you have a tree in your garden you want to get rid of you better think twice and do your research. The gardening experts reveal: “If one neighbour wishes to remove or heavily prune a tree that the other neighbour values, disputes can arise over the impact on the view, shade, or privacy. ".

While it might cause a row, if it is in your property boundary it is ultimately your choice, unless it has a Tree Protection Order on it. “But, some trees may be protected by a Tree Protection Order which makes it an offence to uproot, top or destroy them, the experts warn.

The maximum fine for breaking this law is £20,000, so make sure you double check if it does have a TPO. You can find out by contacting your local council for a map that shows this information. Alternatively, you can ask to speak with your local tree officer.

Property boundaries and fences: One of the main causes of neighbours falling out is through arguing over property boundaries and fencing. To avoid this situation, the gardening pros recommend checking the deeds of your property to determine the correct boundaries.

“Most of the time, it’s easy to determine who owns the fence as the fence posts will usually be on the owners side," they add. “Additionally, the height of fences or hedges can cause disputes between neighbours if one party feels the height has exceeded the two metre guidance.

"Hedges and fences should be no more than two metres high, and you could be asked by the council to take them down if a neighbour complains about the height. "Luckily, standard fence sizes are less than two metres tall so you shouldn’t have a problem.”.