3 Tips for Maintaining Your Paver Patio & Walls
Sunset season on the patio is calling—don’t let wobbly pavers and tired retaining walls steal the vibe. With a little smart upkeep, your hardscapes can look polished and perform beautifully year-round. At The Southern Landscape Group, we help Aberdeen homeowners protect the investment they’ve made in paver patios and retaining walls, and these three helpful tips will keep yours guest-ready.
1. Clean Smart & Re-Sand the Joints
Dirt, pollen, and leaf tannins can dull pavers fast. Give surfaces a gentle rinse with a garden hose or low-pressure setting to lift grime without disturbing the base. Once dry, sweep polymeric sand into the joints to lock pavers in place and discourage weeds and ants. Activate the sand with a light mist so it cures properly. For retaining walls, brush debris out of gaps and along caps to keep moisture from lingering.
2. Seal for Color, Protection, & Easy Care
A breathable, quality sealer helps preserve color and resist stains from grills, planters, and foot traffic. In our climate, reseal every 2–3 years (or sooner for high-use areas). Before sealing, make sure the surface is spotless and completely dry; sealing over moisture can cloud the finish. Choose a finish—natural matte to enhance texture or a satin “wet look” for a richer tone—and always test a small area first. Wall caps also benefit from sealing, helping shed rain and reduce efflorescence.
3. Guard the Edges and Manage Water
Movement almost always starts at the margins. Inspect edge restraints and reset any migrating pavers, and top up joint sand where it’s thinned. For retaining walls, check drainage: clear weep holes, confirm gravel backfill isn’t clogged, and make sure downspouts aren’t dumping near the wall. Redirect irrigation heads that overspray hardscape. Constant wetting accelerates joint failure and surface growth. Additionally, after big storms or freeze-thaw cycles, do a quick walk-through to spot and fix issues early.
Keep Your Hardscape Guest-Ready
A tidy, clean, fresh joint sand, the right sealer, and smart water management are the small habits that add years of life to your paver patio and retaining walls. If you’d like professional help—or you’re ready to elevate your outdoor space—The Southern Landscape Group in Aberdeen, NC, offers expert maintenance plus full-service landscape design, irrigation installation, and outdoor lighting to make every evening outside feel intentional and inviting. Ready to refresh your hardscape? Contact us at (910) 944-2361.