Planters and Statuary
Bringing your planters and statuary indoors for the winter is ideal. This protects them from the freeze/thaw cycle. If you are planning to leave your planter or garden statuary outside during the freezing cold weather, please follow these steps:
- Raise planters up off the ground making sure the drainage hole is not blocked. Pressure-treated wood should be used. This allows the soil to drain and will keep the planter from freezing to the ground. If the planter freezes to the ground, the soil may expand inside thus causing cracks or crumbling.
- Before adding soil to the planter, place a layer of small stones, gravel, or terra cotta chips at the bottom to improve drainage. This will help prevent water from accumulating at the bottom of the planter and causing root rot.
- If the planter is not planted, turn the planter upside down. Place the planter on wood strips and cover or wrap it with burlap or another absorbent material such as old blankets and towels. Then wrap the planter with dark plastic to prevent moisture from accumulating. Periodically check it to make sure moisture is not getting in.
- To prevent water and snow from pooling around the planter or statuary, make sure to place them in a well-draining area with proper drainage. This will help prevent damage to the planter or statuary from excess moisture.
- Just like planters, statuary should be cleaned and covered to protect them from the elements. Use the same method as for planters, wrapping them in burlap or other absorbent materials and then covering them with dark plastic. This will help prevent damage from moisture and freezing temperatures.
Maintaining Outdoor Planters and Statues
In conclusion, maintaining your outdoor cast stone planters and statues during the winter is essential to ensure they remain in good condition and can be used for years to come. By taking simple steps such as moving them to a sheltered area, using insulating material, and regularly checking for damage or issues, you can prevent cracking and damage caused by freezing temperatures. Additionally, cleaning your planters and statues regularly can help prevent debris and dirt from accumulating on them, which can cause damage over time.
Don't let the winter weather damage your outdoor planters and statues - take action today to properly maintain them and ensure they remain in top condition. With a little bit of maintenance and care, your outdoor features can continue to enhance the beauty of your outdoor space for many seasons to come.
The reason you need to winterize your cast stone decor is that cast stone concrete is slightly porous. This allows moisture to absorb into the cast stone and it can then freeze. Since there is very little room to expand, the moisture can cause small cracks or chips. It can also lead to the paint peeling. If you need more information on how to care for your outdoor art check out our blog posts on WINTER CARE- GLAZED AND TERRA COTTA POTTERY and WINTER CARE- CAST STONE FOUNTAINS AND BIRDBATHS