Gardening Jobs to Prioritise this Summer

Summer is a time when your garden really comes alive, and it's the perfect opportunity to tackle those important jobs that will keep your outdoor space looking fantastic all season long. After a cold winter and wet spring, many garden features need some attention to get them back to their best. At Mill Timber Direct, we know how much difference proper garden maintenance can make to a home. We stock everything you need for garden projects, from basic repair materials to complete makeover supplies. Here are the key jobs we recommend prioritising this summer to make the most of your outdoor space.

Getting Your Fence Back to Its Best

Your garden fence probably shows the most obvious signs of winter damage, which makes it a great place to start your summer garden refresh. Many fences just need a really good clean to look much better. You can use a pressure washer if your fence has built up mould and grime over several years, but keep the pressure setting moderate to avoid damaging the wood. For fences that get regular care, a simple wash with water mixed with a bit of vinegar works wonders for cutting through dirt and making everything look fresh again.

Once your fence is clean, take time to check for any damage that needs fixing. Look for small rotten areas, loose boards or structural problems such as wobbly panels. These issues are much easier and cheaper to fix now rather than waiting until they become major problems. Most wooden fences last around twenty years with proper care, so a little maintenance now should really pay off.

Painting or staining your fence is one of the biggest visual improvements you can make to your garden. We recommend treating fences every couple of years to protect the wood. If you find panels that are too damaged to repair, replacing individual sections is often much more practical than rebuilding the entire fence. You can also enhance your fence with decorative touches that add personality to your garden. Trellises provide support for climbing plants, and hanging planters can add colour and life.

Making the Most of Decking

Summer is definitely decking season, whether you want to install new decking or maintain what you already have. We stock both traditional timber and modern composite decking materials. Composite decking has become very popular because it's so durable and needs very little maintenance. It won't rot, fade or warp like timber, and you never need to paint, stain or seal it. If you want to install new decking, preparing the ground properly is essential. Mark out where your deck will go and clear away all weeds, rocks and vegetation. Rushing this stage often leads to problems later, so it's worth taking time to get it right.

If you already have decking, summer maintenance will keep it looking great for years to come. Start by sweeping away all the debris that's built up, using a stiff brush and then give everything a thorough wash with your hose or pressure washer. Timber decks can benefit from cleaning products that kill moss and algae, followed by a fresh stain or wood treatment after everything has dried completely. This usually takes a couple of days in good weather, but the results are definitely worth the effort.

Get Creative with Decorative Stones

Decorative stones and aggregates solve many garden problems while also looking good. They're excellent for improving drainage in areas where water tends to collect, which makes them a great alternative to traditional paving in problematic spots. Rockeries and alpine gardens thrive in stony gardens, even in poor soil, and decorative stones help them to cope well with unpredictable weather. Larger decorative boulders can make focal points, especially in sloped gardens where they add natural-looking structure. Decorative slabs also work perfectly for practical projects. They're ideal for creating attractive driveways, garden pathways and areas where you want to suppress weeds naturally. If you're using stones for weed control, always lay a membrane underneath to create a barrier.

The Benefits of Artificial Grass

Artificial grass has become a popular choice for homeowners who want a perfect lawn without the ongoing maintenance. Quality artificial grass can last twenty years or more with minimal care, making it appealing for busy families or households with pets and children. It gets rid of muddy patches and mess while also giving a consistently safe and clean surface for outdoor activities. The summer months have the ideal conditions for artificial grass installation because the weather is dry, and the long daylight hours make the job much more straightforward and pleasant.

Whatever garden projects you're planning this summer, we're here to help with quality materials and expert advice to make your outdoor space everything you want it to be.