While winter is a wonderful time to appreciate the changing textures of nature, the cold, wet, and windy conditions can introduce new safety hazards around the home.
At My Garden Therapy, our priority is ensuring your outdoor spaces remain safe, secure, and accessible all year round. Taking a proactive approach to winter garden maintenance helps prevent slips, trips, and falls, giving you and your family total peace of mind.
Clearing Pathways and Reducing Slips
Frequent winter rain and damp mornings can cause moss, algae, and wet leaves to accumulate quickly on backyard pathways, steps, and ramps.
- Clear fallen debris: Wet leaves and twigs can create a slick surface over concrete and pavers. Regularly clearing these paths is essential to maintain a slip-free walking track.
- Address moss and algae growth: Damp, shaded areas can grow slimy weeds and moss. Routine outdoor cleaning and pressure wash treatments help keep walkways high-grip and secure.
- Prune overhanging winter branches: Wet weather causes branches to sag. Trimming low-hanging foliage keeps walkways clear, ensuring you don’t have to duck or step off the path to get around.
Enhancing Accessibility and Lighting
With the sun setting much earlier during July, visibility can quickly become an issue in the late afternoon.
- Check outdoor lighting: Ensure main pathways from the clothesline, garage, or letterbox to your doors are well-lit with solar or sensor lights.
- Review handrails and ramps: Ensure existing outdoor safety rails are sturdy and free of moisture build-up or rust.
- Keep tools securely stored: Ensure hose reels are wound up tightly, and gardening tools are put away immediately after use to eliminate unexpected tripping hazards.
How My Garden Therapy Can Assist
You don’t have to brave the cold winter wind to keep your property safe. Our professional, friendly team specialises in tailored home maintenance and safety modifications for older adults and people with disabilities.
Our dedicated safety and handyman services include:
- Clearing overgrown walkways and pruning damp winter growth.
- Small outdoor home repairs and cleaning to eliminate hazards.
- Setting up accessible gardening solutions, like raised garden beds, so you can enjoy your hobby without bending or kneeling in the damp soil.
Learn more about accessing support for your home
- Learn more about Home Care Packages at My Aged Care.
- Explore the NDIS Garden Maintenance guidelines for participants.