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How to Control Mud in Front of a Patio
- 1). Look for any leaks or water sources around the patio that could be contributing to the mud formation. If a sprinkler is nearby, keep it turned off to give the mud time to dry out. Repair any leaks and remove any sources of moisture so the mud will dry out and be more manageable.
- 2). Trim any trees overhead so the muddy area receives more sunlight if possible. The heat of the sun will help to further dry out the mud so it is not as slippery and will not get tracked as easily.
- 3). Place gravel or larger rocks over the dirt area, once the mud has dried, to both improve the appearance around the patio and provide a barrier so no one gets into the mud. Brick is another option to consider.
- 4). Lay down a piece of weed-proof sheeting over any larger areas of mud then cover it with wood chips or mulch. You could also consider putting down a plastic child's wading pool filled with sand to create a play area if you have kids.
- 5). Place fencing around the patio area to further enhance the visual aesthetic while also keeping people away from the muddy area to prevent slipping or tracking.
- 6). Lay out rubber mats on the outside and inside of the patio door to prevent any mud from being tracked into the house. This also gives people a place to leave their muddy shoes before stepping onto the floor. Encourage them to do so by leaving a shoe tree by the inside mat.
- 7). Position a metal shoe scraper on the patio near the muddy area so people can scrape the dirt and mud off their shoes instead of tracking it across the patio and into the house.
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