Summer is a great time to begin patio and other hardscape maintenance. A hardscape includes anything from a walkway to a retaining wall. The warm weather leaves a comfortable working environment and is when most weeds and other similar pests are present. Those pests include lichen, moss, and vines. These invasive plants can wreak havoc in a backyard and cause a hardscape to change colors and crack. The most common types of materials used in hardscaping that will require cleaning include brick, concrete, and stone. Some form of cleaning or maintenance should be done yearly to increase or ensure a hardscape’s lifetime. [Read more…]