Leaves are starting to pile up! You may know the trouble they cause in your lawn and gutter. But did you know leaves can also damage your patio? Here’s how you can help prevent this from happening.

How Leaves Damage a Patio

They look so delicate lightly descending from the tree and gently landing in the yard. But if left alone overtime, leaves can actually damage hardscaping and patios. Here’s how:

• Stains. As leaves decay, they release tannins which can stain concrete, brick, and other hard surfaces.
• Rot. Left in a pile, leaves trap moisture and attract mold which can lead to wood rot.
• Unsafe. Wet leaves create a slipping hazard. They can also become trapped between pavers and create an uneven walking surface.
• Unsightly. Leaves may carry weed seeds and deposit them between pavers.
• Unhealthy. Pests may thank you for the layer of leaves they get to hide in. Plus, those wet leaves create a breeding ground for mold and other disease.

A few leaves may add to the seasonal ambiance, but it’s important to remove large piles of leaves to help prevent future damage.

Preventing Leaf Damage

There are several ways to make sure your patio stays clean this season.

• Remove leaves. Depending on what type of patio you have, the removal process can be as easy as using a leaf blower, rake, or broom to clean up the leaves. Be careful not to displace any sand or gravel between pavers as this can trap more leaves in the future.
• Dry it out. If there are a series of damp days, be sure to remove any leaves so the patio can dry quicker.
• Clean the pavers. Any current spills or stains can be power washed or scrubbed away.

Let JDog Carpet Cleaning & Floor Care help with the last task. Our soft washing service is a safe, gentle solution for cleaning your toughest outdoor areas. When used on your deck or patio, you don’t have to worry about discoloring the surrounding area or chipping the material. Our team knows how to properly care for a variety of surfaces, whether a stone or concrete patio, wood deck, or paver pathway. We tackle common outdoor stains from leaves as well as oil, rust, mold and mildew—making your patio look its best before its winter rest.