How To Clean & Maintain Decorative Garden Stones

Decorative garden stones are a fantastic addition to any garden. The beauty of gravel and pebbles can be underestimated, but when laid in the right place, they can completely transform the look of a garden by adding charm and aesthetics. Over time, these stones can gather debris, moss and algae can appear and weeds can start to grow between the gaps, making a beautiful garden look unsightly and neglected. Similar to driveways and pathways, the best way to keep a garden tidy is through regular cleaning and good maintenance. In this article, we will show you how to clean and maintain decorative garden stones to maximise their charm and aesthetics. 

1. Clear Debris

Start by removing any loose debris in the area you wish to clean such as tree branches, twigs, leaves and so on. You can do this by hand, but make sure to protect your hands by wearing gardening gloves. Alternatively, you can use a broom or a leaf blower.   

2. Power Wash

You may think heavy rainfall will clean your gravel garden naturally, however, water is not always enough on its own. If you happen to own a pressure washer, power washing the area is a great way to thoroughly clean them with minimal ease. Select a low pressure setting to prevent displacing the stones. 

For more stubborn areas, scrub the stones with a mix of water and washing up liquid using a scrubber brush or an old toothbrush. This is also useful for any areas the pressure wash hasn’t fully removed. Make sure to rinse the area thoroughly using the power washer, again on low pressure setting, or a garden hole afterward to remove the residue and prevent the detergent from leaving a slippery film.

3. Weed Control

Decorative garden stones are fantastic at suppressing weed growth. However, if any weeds have intruded your gravel garden, you can either hand-pick them or spray the area with weed killer. Bear in mind, spraying is more ideal for larger areas and requires less effort. Plus, spraying ensures the weeds don’t return, whereas there’s a chance weeds can grow back after hand-picking. Avoid harsh chemicals, use a weed killer suitable for gravel surfaces and follow the manufacturer's instructions for a weed-free garden.

4. Mould & Algae Removal 

If you notice any unsightly green fungi growing in your gravel garden, this is more likely to be mould or algae. It tends to grow in damp and shaded areas with poor drainage. You will need to make sure the area has good drainage and hedges or shrubs need to be trimmed back to allow more sunlight exposure on the area. To banish moss and algae, using a suitable mould and algae remover according to the manufacturer’s instructions for the best results. 

Decorative Garden Stones in Stoke-On-Trent 

You might think decorative garden stones require more maintenance than you expected, but by following the steps above, you can maintain your charming gravel garden for years to come. However, gravel and stones can become scattered and displaced over time, requiring a fresh layer of stones to fill up any sparse areas. 

At D Price & Sons, we have a beautiful range of decorative stones for any garden style. From classic limestone and Cotswold stone to more vibrant golden, red or green granite for striking features, as well as purple slate and play grade bark for edging. Available to order in 0.85 cubic metre bulk bags. For orders over £150, we offer click and collect or free delivery to areas within a 10-mile radius of our location in Longton, Stoke-On-Trent, as well as standard delivery for the rest of Staffordshire and Cheshire. For any enquiries, please get in touch with us.