How to stop leaves and debris from damaging your composite fencing in autumn and winter

At North Valley Composites, we’re experts in providing premium composite fencing, and we’ve helped countless customers transform their outdoor spaces. A composite fence is a timeless, stunning addition to any property, providing privacy and enhancing the look of your home. Best of all, composite fences can last up to 20 years, so you can enjoy their effects for a long time to come. Even so, a little upkeep will go a long way, especially in colder and wetter seasons. Here’s how you can stop leaves and debris from damaging your composite fence in autumn and winter!

Regularly clean your composite fences

Composite is renowned for its durability and is insect, rot and weather-resistant. There’s also no need for routine staining or painting, so it’s perfect for people looking for a long-lasting fence with minimal maintenance. With that said, the material isn’t totally immune to cosmetic damage. As the wet and windy weather continues, it’s common for leaves and dirt to land on your composite fencing. This might not seem like much of a problem, but over time, this debris can trap moisture and lead to unsightly stains.

To keep your fence looking its best, you can use a hose or a cloth to regularly remove debris before it can leave any marks. For a more thorough clean, we recommend using a soft-bristled brush with warm water and a mild detergent like washing up liquid a few times a year, rinsing and drying off the panels afterwards. It’s always wise to pay close attention to the gaps between the panels where debris can build up unseen. If you notice that leaves and debris have stained your fence, don’t panic – a simple white vinegar solution can help to remove stubborn marks. You can also use a specialist composite cleaner from your local DIY shop – but always remember to check if it is suitable for your fence first!

Sweep away leaves from the fence line

We’ve already touched on how damp debris can cause problems like discolouration if left on the fence’s surface for too long – the same applies to piles of leaves on the ground beside the fence. With that in mind, it’s a good idea to regularly sweep away leaves and organic debris like sticks a couple of times a week from along the fence line to prevent moisture from building up. Avoid metal shovels or rakes, as they can easily scratch your composite fencing – instead, use a soft-bristled broom or a plastic shovel, working carefully to avoid causing damage. This is also a good idea in winter – just like with leaves, you should regularly remove piles of snow from along the base of the fence.

Stay on top of overhanging branches or nearby foliage

Again, the less damp debris lingers on or against your fence, the better. You can minimise the amount of leaves falling onto your composite fence by trimming back overhanging branches – this also helps to lessen the risk of damage when the wind really picks up. Similarly, we recommend cutting back plants like bushes or vines that grow along the base of your fence, as this helps to reduce the chance of trapped moisture in the wet weather. As well as protecting your fence from cosmetic damage, these steps can also help to keep your garden looking tidy and well-cared for throughout the colder months, so that you can take pride in your space no matter the season.

That’s the essentials covered! Of course, if you’re ready to upgrade your garden with a brand new composite fence, you’re in the right place. With a choice of styles and shades on offer, our composite fencing could be exactly what you need to create a stunning effect at an unbeatable price. We even offer a Garden Fence Calculator, so that you can be sure you’re ordering the exact right number of boards. But it doesn’t have to stop at your fence – we also offer a range of composite decking and wall cladding, providing everything you need to create a stylish, low-maintenance space you can enjoy all year round. Interested? You can order a free sample pack or give us a call on 01282677300 today!