Caring For Your Curb
We’re confident that you will be pleased with your new concrete border. These decorative curbs will save you hours of edging and trimming time in addition to beautifying your yard. The following are some brief facts and instructions for the care and maintenance of your new curb.
Water and your new concrete edging
Your new concrete does not need to be sprayed or misted with water. If it begins to rain within the first 8 hours after installation, cover the curb with plastic. Make sure to remove it the next day, this is important when caring for your landscape curbs.
During the first 72 hours you should avoid direct sprinkler impact on the curbing. After 24 hours a mist would not create any damage, but a sprinkler within a couple of feet could cause some pitting in your new edging.
Cleaning and caring for your landscape curbs
Efflorescence can appear on concrete curbing for a variety of reasons. This white powder substance occurs because of water and salts. As water evaporates off of the curbing sometimes the salty substance is left behind. It can come out of the ground or be a result of rain or sprinkler systems. The intensity varies depending on the volume and hardness of the water. If you water frequently, efflorescence may appear more readily. If you need to clean efflorescence, simply mix a 50/50 solution of vinegar and water and with light brushing it can be removed. You may have to do this more than once, but eventually the efflorescence should go away.
Some fertilizers and chemicals will stain the curbing as they would any other concrete. You should alert those doing the fertilizing to avoid spraying their product on the curbing. Iron will especially discolor it, whether in granules or in spray form. If you feel the concrete has been sprayed, hose it down shortly after they have finished fertilizing.