AS WE say goodbye to the summer months and prepare for the arrival of autumn, many of us will be starting to think about putting our garden furniture away.
However, it may be sooner than you think according to interior experts who have shared the exact date you should be moving the outdoors in.
After reviewing weather and rain patterns across the UK’s capital cities over the last 5 years, experts at interiors brand Ruggable pin-pointed the perfect time to store away your outdoor furniture.
In Edinburgh, it’s advisable to start packing up your garden furniture by mid-September (15th September 2024).
Cardiff residents should aim for 23rd September 2024, while those in Belfast have until 27th September.
Londoners can enjoy their outdoor spaces a bit longer, with the recommended date being the end of the month (30th of September).
Cassandra Leisz, Creative Director at Ruggable, explains why these dates are crucial to follow: “As autumn arrives and temperatures begin to drop, it’s important to protect your garden furniture and furnishings from harsh weather, especially high winds and heavy rain downpours.
“To ensure your outdoor furniture lasts year after year, it’s best to bring it inside and store it safely away from these conditions, using the above dates as a guideline.
“It’s essential to bring your furniture indoors before they are exposed to prolonged rain, especially metal items such as tables and chairs that are prone to rust and corrosion.”
Outdoor rugs, cushions and upholstery should be brought indoors, too, before any rain or cold spells, as waterlogged fabrics can lead to stains, discolouration and mould growth.
Rain can also accelerate colour fading and damage the finish or protective coatings on your furniture.
By following these guidelines, you can keep your outdoor furniture protected all year round.
Gardening experts over at Toolstation have revealed the garden laws you need to be aware of not breaking.
While some of these laws could land you with a fine of up to £20,000 in extreme cases, a friendly chat with your neighbours can usually resolve any issues.
Tree removal and pruning: If you have a tree in your garden you want to get rid of you better think twice and do your research.
The gardening experts reveal: “If one neighbour wishes to remove or heavily prune a tree that the other neighbour values, disputes can arise over the impact on the view, shade, or privacy. “
While it might cause a row, if it is in your property boundary it is ultimately your choice, unless it has a Tree Protection Order on it.
“But, some trees may be protected by a Tree Protection Order which makes it an offence to uproot, top or destroy them, the experts warn.
The maximum fine for breaking this law is £20,000, so make sure you double check if it does have a TPO.
You can find out by contacting your local council for a map that shows this information. Alternatively, you can ask to speak with your local tree officer.
Property boundaries and fences: One of the main causes of neighbours falling out is through arguing over property boundaries and fencing.
To avoid this situation, the gardening pros recommend checking the deeds of your property to determine the correct boundaries
“Most of the time, it’s easy to determine who owns the fence as the fence posts will usually be on the owners side,” they add.
“Additionally, the height of fences or hedges can cause disputes between neighbours if one party feels the height has exceeded the two metre guidance.
“Hedges and fences should be no more than two metres high, and you could be asked by the council to take them down if a neighbour complains about the height.
“Luckily, standard fence sizes are less than two metres tall so you shouldn’t have a problem.”
Garden structures and additions: A pergola is the perfect addition to a garden if you want somewhere to relax in the shade.
But if it obstructs your neighbour’s view or violates local building regulations it could cause a dispute, as can sheds and other garden structures.
“If you’re not sure, have a chat with your neighbours to let them know what you’re planning and, if there’s an issue, get in touch with your local council who can give you more guidance,” advise the gardening experts.
Overhanging branches and plants: “When branches, vines, or roots from one neighbour’s tree or plant extend into the neighbouring property, it can lead to disagreements over potential damage to structures, blocked views, or the burden of maintenance,” reveal the pros.
However, it’s important to note you can only trim overhanging branches up to the boundary of your property otherwise, it could be seen as trespassing.
You can climb into the tree to carry out the work if needed, but only on your property and make sure to stay on your side of the fence if you don’t have permission to enter your neighbours garden.
