As the seasons change, your outdoor court faces new challenges, especially from leaves and moisture. Whether you have a backyard basketball court, pickleball court, tennis court, or multi-use surface, you need to keep it clean and protected to ensure it stays safe, attractive, and long-lasting. Here’s how to prevent leaves, dirt, and rain from damaging your court this fall.
1. Keep Up with Regular Sweeping or Blowing
Falling leaves may look harmless, but they can trap moisture and leave behind stains or slick spots. Use a soft-bristle broom or a leaf blower to clear debris from the surface several times a week, especially after windy or rainy days. Staying consistent prevents buildup and reduces the risk of slips and falls or surface discoloration.
Note: Use a rubber squeegee to remove any standing water after heavy rainfall or snowmelt.
2. Trim Back Nearby Trees and Shrubs
Overhanging branches are a major source of leaf litter and excess shade, both of which encourage moisture buildup. Trimming nearby trees helps reduce the amount of debris falling on your court and allows sunlight and airflow to dry the surface faster.
3. Check and Clean Drainage Areas
Good drainage plays a key role in preventing standing water. Make sure surrounding drains, channels, or slopes are clear of leaves and dirt. If your court is installed on a flat area, consider adding a slight grade or adding a French drain system to guide water away from the surface.
4. Wash Away Stains and Organic Residue
When leaves sit too long, they can leave behind stains due to the tannins and other organic compounds in them, as well as promote mold and mildew growth. Soft wash with a pressure washer or use a hose with a soft brush to clean the surface. Avoid harsh chemicals that can damage the court coating, opting instead for gentle cleaners recommended by your installer.
5. Inspect for Cracks or Low Spots
Moisture tends to collect in cracks or depressions, which can lead to bigger problems over time. Inspect your court regularly for signs of wear, and schedule repairs quickly to prevent water from seeping into the base or causing freeze-thaw contraction and expansion damage during the colder months.
6. Cover or Enclose When Possible
If you won’t be using your court for extended periods, consider investing in a protective cover or partial enclosure. A weather-resistant tarp or retractable cover can keep leaves, dirt, rocks, rain, and snow off the surface, making maintenance much easier and extending the life of your investment.
7. Schedule Professional Maintenance
A seasonal inspection and deep clean from a court professional helps keep your surface in peak condition. Experts can check for drainage issues, resurface worn areas, and apply sealants or coatings that will protect against moisture and UV damage.
8. Protect Equipment
If you want to leave nets up for occasional use during fall, relieve the tension to reduce strain on the net and post during cold weather. However, if you won’t use your court much when the temperatures drop, take down nets and windscreens and store them in a dry, safe place to prevent wind, ice, and snow damage.
If you have basketball hoops with water-filled bases, drain them completely to prevent the water from freezing and cracking the plastic, or add RV antifreeze to keep them from freezing. Some bases, however, are designed to expand in the winter to prevent damage, so you may be able to leave the water inside.
How to Manage Ice and Snow
Late fall can mean freezing temperatures and early snow. To protect your court from ice and moisture damage:
Avoid Scraping — To clear snow, use only plastic shovels or snow blowers. Never use metal shovels or other sharp tools, as these can scratch and damage the court surface. Make sure to remove snow as soon as it starts falling to keep it from compacting and turning into ice.
Limit Chemical Use — Avoid using rock salt or other harsh ice-melting chemicals, which can damage the court surface and shorten its lifespan. If you need to remove ice, use a non-corrosive, court-safe product like calcium magnesium acetate (CMA).
Limit Foot Traffic — When your court is covered in ice and snow, it can become slick and dangerous, increasing the risk of slips and falls. Keep children and adults from walking on your court after storms to avoid potential injuries.
Keep Your Court Safe from Fall Damage
A clean, dry court isn’t just about looks — it’s essential for player safety and surface longevity. By taking proactive steps to manage falling leaves and moisture, you’ll preserve your court’s performance and reduce costly repairs down the road. A little upkeep this fall can go a long way toward keeping your court game-ready all year long.
