Seasonal Guide
Autumn
Gardening Companion
Discover what to do in your garden every month with expert guidance and the right RYOBI® tools and tips for every season.
Autumn Soil Care
What to do in Autumn
Autumn Driveway Care
Autumn Plant Care
Autumn Lawn Care
Autumn tree, shrub & hedge care
Additional tasks
Rejuvenate your patio, decking and driveway this autumn with expert cleaning, sealing and drainage tips. Protect against damage with RYOBI® tools.
With autumn's amber tones, our gardens and driveways transform too. The crisp air and the drift of falling leaves also prompt a change in the way we care for our homes and gardens. Your patio, decking and driveway need to be prepared for the damp, colder months ahead. Proper maintenance now is all about safety and longevity. Even the most beautiful stone path can turn into an ice rink once the frost hits. To protect your space from algae, moss and decay, you'll need to invest some time in the right outdoor cleaning tools and preventative care. In this guide, we've covered the best ways to keep your hard landscaping winterproof and ready to shine again next spring.
There's something so nostalgic about the crunch of leaves underfoot. But if you're hearing it on your patio or driveway, it could soon become a potential hazard. When leaves are left to sit, they become damp and release acidic compounds called tannins. These can permanently stain and damage natural stone and concrete. A thick layer of foliage also quickly becomes mushy and slippery, along with providing a breeding ground for moss and fungal spores. The key to keeping your patio safe is consistency with appropriate leaf collection equipment. Don't just wait for the last of the leaves to fall. Instead, aim for a weekly sweep to prevent the buildup of leafy mulch that becomes tricky to move. When you're choosing leaf removal tools, think about the surface you're working on.
Top tool for clearing leaves: RYOBI® RBV36B: 36V MAX POWER 3in1 Cordless Brushless Garden Blower Vacuum.
Once you've cleared the surface of debris, it's time to tackle a summer's worth of grime. Autumn is the perfect window for a deep clean before the temperature drops too low for detergents to work effectively.
Using high-quality pressure-washing tools can help to strip away stubborn algae and lichen. Just be mindful of the pressure setting for each surface type. Natural stone and delicate decking could be etched by a powerful jet.
If you'd like to be more precise, patio-cleaner tools like rotary scrubbers can lift the black spot that water alone can't touch. Don't forget the vertical edges, either. Driveway-cleaning tools like stiff-bristled brooms can help to prevent the edges of your paving from being reclaimed by weeds and turf.
Top tool for driveway cleaning:
RYOBI® RY18PWX41A: 18V Cordless ONE+™ HP Cordless Brushless Power Washer.
· Maximum 41 BAR power from an advanced brushless motor
· Three power settings: 7 BAR, 22 BAR and 41 BAR
· 3-in-1 nozzle with turbo nozzle for tough cleaning tasks
Cleaning is only half the battle. To keep your outdoor surfaces looking pristine through the winter, you'll need to seal and protect them too.
Sealing your patio or driveway creates a non-permeable barrier that protects the porous surface of the stone or wood. This is vital because when trapped rainwater freezes, it expands. This can lead to freeze-thaw damage, one of the main causes of cracks and spalling in paving.
As the temperatures plummet, you'll need to use de-icer if you're still heading out into the garden. This could prevent some nasty accidents and slips. A well-protected garden survives the winter and keeps your home looking welcoming from the exterior, even in December.
Top tool for protecting a patio:
RYOBI® OSS1800: 18V ONE+™ Cordless Lawn Seed & Ice Salt Spreader
· Ideal for year-round use, including salt spreading in winter
· Generous container that holds up to 4L of dry material
· Can be powered by any ONE+™ battery
In wet and humid climates, water management is an underrated aspect of autumn maintenance. Drainage systems play a vital role in preventing localised flooding or damp issues near the foundations of your home.
Start with your trusted telescopic gutter cleaners. Take time to remove any moss or silt that has washed down from the roof tiles for a free flow.
On the ground, inspect your driveway-drainage tools and channels. Drains and grates usually become clogged with silt and pine needles over time. You can use downpipe-clearing tools to ensure no blockages are hiding in the bends of your pipes.
If water pools on your patio after a light shower, it's a telltale sign that your drainage-maintenance tools need to be put to work. Effective drainage keeps water moving away from hard surfaces quickly, reducing the risk of ice patches forming. Quick drainage inspection points:
1. Check that the 'fall' of the patio still leads water towards the drain 2. Clear any debris from the 'weep holes' in retaining walls 3. Make sure the soakaway area isn't compacted or overgrown Toptools for unblocking drains:
RYOBI® RDA18-0: 18V ONE+™ Cordless Drain Auger
Unfortunately, it's highly unlikely that we'll enjoy a morning coffee outside in November! Leaving your garden furniture exposed to the elements at this time could lead to rust, rot and decay, so investing in robust garden-storage solutions is a must for any homeowner. Whether you choose a dedicated timber garden chest or a roofed shed, keeping cushions and parasols dry will keep them looking lovely for next summer. For larger items that can't be moved indoors, high-quality furniture-protection equipment is the best alternative. You can use heavy-duty, waterproof covers tied down securely to protect them against autumn gales. But before you store your furniture ready for the winter, don't forget to clean and dry it thoroughly. Top tool for garden furniture care: RYOBI® R18CPS-0: 18V ONE+™ Cordless Compact Power Scrubber
As the days get shorter, we use outdoor electrical systems much more. Autumn naturally provides an opportune moment for garden-lighting maintenance tools to come into play. Here are a few essential tasks:
Remember, don't try any serious DIY or maintenance work if you're unsure. Leave it to the professionals if you need complex testing equipment or electrical safety tools for gardens. Keeping a spare, cordless light will give you peace of mind for ad-hoc projects, too. Top tool for fixing lighting: RYOBI® R18ALP-0: 18V ONE+™ Cordless LED Project Light
Finally, before the frost sets in, don't forget to fill cracks or replace any damaged boards.
Small cracks on your driveway might eventually turn into large potholes if water gets in and freezes. Using industry-standard concrete and stone sealing equipment can help repair minor imperfections and reinforce the surface.
For homes with timber features, autumn is just the time to reach for decking repair equipment. Check for soft spots that might indicate rot and replace those boards immediately. With these repaired, you can apply a high-quality finish using decking-treatment tools like broad brushes.
A good treatment will provide a non-slip finish and prevent the wood from becoming waterlogged, keeping your deck safe, sturdy and stylish.
Top tool for patio preservation:
RYOBI® RY18PCB-0: 18V ONE+™ Cordless Patio Cleaner with Scrubbing Brush
Taking time to maintain your outdoor spaces during the autumn is an investment in the safety and durability of your home. By clearing away debris and applying the right protective treatments now, you'll keep your pathways grippy and slip-free throughout the winter.
With the right tools, these seasonal tasks become quick, hassle-free projects and not chores that take up the whole weekend. Shop the exclusive range of RYOBI® cordless tools and power washers online today.
How often should I sweep leaves off the patio?
Aim for a weekly sweep to prevent damp leaves from releasing tannins. These are naturally occurring acidic compounds that can permanently stain natural stone.
Can I use a power washer on all paving types?
Most paving can be pressure-washed, but you should use a lower-bar setting for delicate natural stone to avoid etching the surface. You should also only use this tool when you need to. Excessive treatment with water can erode delicate stone surfaces and loosen grout.
How can I remove moss from my driveway?
Using a combination of a stiff-bristled brush and a cordless cleaner, you should:
· Clear loose debris first, exposing the moss roots
· Use a nylon bristle attachment to lift moss from the gaps between pavers
· Apply a biodegradable moss remover to kill any spores remaining
· Use a medium power setting to rinse away loosened moss without dislodging the underlying mortar
· Once dry, sweep sand into the gaps to block future weed growth
When is the best time to seal my patio?
Apply sealant on a dry autumn day when the temperature is above 5°C. This helps to make sure that the barrier sets correctly before the first frost.
How can I stop my decking from being slippery?
Prevention is the way to go. You should clean your decking with a power washer and chemical cleaners at least once or twice a year. This will keep it safe and slip-free, protecting you and your family over winter.