There's a reasonable argument for cleaning in spring, before the garden gets used, and an equally reasonable argument for cleaning in autumn, before winter locks damp growth in for months. Neither season is objectively correct — they suit different priorities and different growth patterns.
This comparison sets out what each timing achieves so the choice can be based on what you actually need the space for, rather than habit.
The case for spring cleaning
Cleaning in spring means the drive or patio looks its best right as the garden starts being used again — for many households that's the practical priority, particularly for a patio that's about to see far more foot traffic.
The drawback is that whatever growth accumulated over autumn and winter has already had months to establish, so a spring clean is often tackling a heavier build-up than an equivalent autumn visit would.
The case for autumn cleaning
- Clears leaf litter and organic debris before it sits wet on the surface all winter, feeding algae and moss.
- Reduces the depth of growth the surface goes into winter with, which can mean less work needed by spring.
- Takes advantage of surfaces that are typically drier and easier to work on than in a damp, low-light spring.
- Gets driveways and paths clear and less slippery heading into the wetter, icier months.
What growth cycles actually do across the year
Algae and moss tend to thrive in the cool, damp conditions of autumn and winter, and growth generally slows through the drier stretches of summer. That means a surface cleaned in autumn is fighting against its most active growing season for the treatment, while a surface cleaned in spring is catching the tail end of it.
Neither timing stops growth returning eventually — the choice is really about which point in the cycle suits your calendar better.
Practical scheduling considerations
Autumn slots can be easier to arrange precisely because fewer households think to book then, and drier autumn weather often makes for more predictable working conditions.
Spring is a naturally busier period for outdoor work generally, so booking ahead matters more if a specific date before a garden event or family gathering is the goal.