All Urban Pot planters are extremely durable and will provide decades of sustained use without mechanical problems.
Urban Pot planters require no maintenance from a hardware or mechanical standpoint, but in terms of daily use we recommend the following “best practice” guidelines
Metal planters (aluminum, Corten, etc.)
The custom-made planters are made from 5052-H32 (Marine Grade) aluminum, a high-strength alloy used in particular in aviation and the navy and perfect for planters due to their lightness combined with excellent corrosion resistance. 5052-H32 aluminum can be recycled. Aluminum is a highly recyclable material, and 5052-H32 aluminum is no exception.
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Both salt and fertilizer are corrosive and will corrode most metals, including aluminum and stainless steel. Baking paint (powder coat) provides a protective layer to prevent peeling of the paint as much as possible. If the coating peels, rest assured that corrosion will not creep under the paint like it does with steel.
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Cold weather will not damage aluminum planters, but when water freezes, it expands by about 10%. Icy water will break a mountain and your planter if it is filled with water before or during winter. The best way to prevent this from happening is to:
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Make sure the planter is filled with soil to about 1 inch from the top before winter sets in.
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Always use topsoil in planters because it retains less moisture than potting soil.
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Sometimes it is possible to cover planters during the winter months. It probably won't be necessary, but it can't hurt.
As an option, we offer an interior lining in convoluted foam, thermal insulation panels in extruded polystyrene and a lower drainage layer composed of a draining core in post-industrial recycled polypropylene of fused and entangled filaments on which a fabric made of A needle-punched non-woven polypropylene fiber is laminated in the factory.
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Based on research results, it is not recommended to fill planters or planting containers with more than one inch of polystyrene or gravel. Contrary to popular belief, gravel does not ensure soil drainage. Soil holds water until it's saturated anyway, and gravel can actually slow the drainage of pots.
Instead of using polystyrene or gravel, it is recommended to use a lightweight mix specifically designed for container gardening.
Concrete, resin and fiberglass planters
Urban Pot planters are made of Resin (Polyethylene), Concrete and Fiberglass
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Place the planter in a well-draining area to prevent water and snow from accumulating around it.
Planters are generally durable and can withstand freeze and thaw cycles. However, to extend their lifespan, consider insulating them with bubble wrap or moving them to a more sheltered location in the event of an extreme cold spell.
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Cold weather won't damage plantersconcrete, resin and fiberglass, but when water freezes, it expands by about 10%. Freezing water will break a mountain and your planter if it is filled with water before or during winter. To avoid this:
-
Make sure the planter is filled with soil to about 1 inch from the top before winter sets in.
-
Always use topsoil in planters because it retains less moisture than potting soil.
-
It is sometimes possible to cover planters during the winter months, although this is usually not necessary.
​
Based on research results, it is not recommended to fill planters or planting containers with more than one inch of polystyrene or gravel. Contrary to popular belief, gravel does not ensure soil drainage. Soil holds water until it's saturated anyway, and gravel can actually slow the drainage of pots.
Instead of using polystyrene or gravel, it is recommended to use a lightweight mix specifically designed for container gardening.
