The Value of Summer Landscaping

Every homeowner would like to have a green, pleasant, well-tended yard. It enhances the appearance of the house and makes a good impression on those who see it. It gives the kids a nice place to play and makes outdoor activities like cookouts and swimming in a pool more fun.

The catch is that tending to landscaping in the summer heat can seem like a hot, time-consuming, and generally daunting task. But you’ll find it manageable if you avail yourself of the following advice.

Summer Landscaping Tip #1: Mow on a Regular Schedule

Depending on desired height and growth rate, you may need to mow once a week or even oftener. It’s a good idea to start out the summer with the mower blade set to maximum height and then progressively reduce the height as the season progresses. This should keep your yard from developing brown spots.

But don’t cut the grass too short. Doing so will reduce its resistance to drought and other problems. It’s better to have the mower blade set a little high than to bring it down too low.

Summer Landscaping Tip #2: Feed and Fertilize Your Lawn

Feed and fertilize, and when doing so, remember that the nutrient needs of the grass depend on which particular variety of grass it is. For one example, warm-season grass derives maximum benefit from a very quick application of fertilizer.

Also, be aware that while fertilizing is basically good, it won’t yield good results if you overdo it or misapply it. Nitrogen-rich fertilizer can burn lawns, particularly in hot weather. It’s a good idea to use a slow-release fertilizer with lower nitrogen content and be sure to use it according to the directions.

Summer Landscaping Tip #3: Fight Pests

Summer can bring a variety of pests that can spoil the appearance of your lawn. These include chinch bugs, armyworms, sod webworms, and grubs to name only a few. Take steps to prevent them if possible and eliminate them if necessary.

Summer Landscaping Tip #4: Water and Weed

Be sure to keep grass hydrated. A sprinkler system that provides water automatically early in the morning is an excellent way to take care of this. Make sure the sprinklers are spaced to make sure they cover all parts of the lawn and don’t waste water on the sidewalk or driveway.

Likewise, be sure to get rid of weeds (including dandelions) as they appear. A pre-emergent herbicide may keep them from appearing in the first place.

Summer Landscaping Tip #5: Don’t Water When the Day is at its Hottest

If you water plants when a summer day is at its hottest, the water simply evaporates before reaching the roots and doing the plants any good. Also, some plants are dormant during the hottest part of the day, which means that even when water does reach the roots, water consumption is less than it should be. The optimal time to water is early morning. That’s better than doing it at night because the latter will leave the plants moist overnight and thus promote the growth of fungus.

Summer Landscaping Tip #6: Add Color with Drought-Tolerant Plants

Color adds considerable appeal to summer landscaping. Use perennials, annuals, and drought-tolerant plants that need little water and little maintenance in general.

You can grow flowers in garden beds, in pots on the porch, or window boxes. Climbing flowers can decorate a trellis or fence or line walkways.

Shade trees contribute texture to a landscape, and trees of any size make an attractive addition. Additionally, large evergreen trees on the south or southwest side of a house reduce energy bills, as do trees that shade the air conditioner. By keeping the air conditioner cooler, they help it run more efficiently.

Summer Landscaping Tip #7: Consult a Professional

You’ll find caring for lawns and gardens easier and more effective if a landscaping pro advises you on your particular situation. The experts at Country Landscape would be happy to help you.