Treat garden furniture now, advises horticulturalist

A gardening expert has advised those looking to enjoy warm summer evenings sitting in their gardens to treat wooden furniture now to prevent rot setting in later.

His advice comes after surges in natural outdoor furniture sales, with wooden chairs, tables, decking and benches becoming more popular in British gardens than ever.

Softer woods like pine were particularly at risk according to Gary Phillipson, while harder woods like teak may not need as much care if they are made of a particularly good quality wood.

Writing for the Newcastle Evening Gazette, Mr Phillipson advised gardeners to ensure they wore protective gloves before applying any treatment.

He also reminded readers that although the green option of water-based treatments are less durable and need regular application, the oil and spirit-based alternatives can damage plants until it is fully dry and can seriously damage flora and fauna if it is dropped on them.

Finally, Mr Phillipson commented that eco-gardens were becoming ever more popular and advised that for those looking for an environmentally sound furniture purchase, little beats outdoor equipment that is made of reclaimed Vietnamese wood.

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