6 Tips to Prepare Your Yard for Summer

green lawn with home in background

We’re barely out of winter, hanging on to spring, and already looking ahead to summer. Is your yard ready for the unpredictable weather and heat of? Here are some tips to get your yard ready!

1. Select the Right Height for Mowing Grass

In the spring, your lawn will grow out of control. The summer’s heat, however, will slow the growth considerably. During the spring mowing season, aim to keep your grass between 2.5 and 3 inches by mowing every five or six days. Once summer hits, you can let it grow another inch and a half and cut back to mowing once per week.

2. Aerate Your lawn and Reseed Bald Spots

Getting your yard ready for summer means tackling problem areas right now. If your lawn isn’t healthy and strong, this is a good time to aerate it and spread more seed to give it a fighting chance against summer’s heat.

If your grass is a warm-season variety, applying fertilizer in the spring will help it thrive in summer.

3. Pest Control

The best time to identify harmful pests in your yard is during spring, before they establish themselves. 

Be on the lookout for:

  • Patches of grass not growing properly
  • Plants that are not thriving
  • Damaged branches or diseased trees
  • Signs of burrowing insects in wood or dirt
  • Grubs or other harmful insects in the soil as you plant

If you see signs of pests near your home’s windows or foundation, you may need to call in a professional to tackle the problem.

4. Prune Trees 

Spring is the best time to observe growth and prepare trees for summer. Cut back branches that are hanging over your roof and trim bushes and shrubs while their new growth is still easy to manage. 

Inspect all your trees for damaged branches and rot in the spring, and schedule a visit from a tree expert if necessary to take care of any problems you spot.

5. Weed Control

Nothing is worse than trying to control weeds that have been taking root and growing wild over the spring. Place a weed barrier around your plants to curb their growth, and add a layer of mulch to retain moisture and help prevent weed growth. 

Pre-emergent herbicides are another step to curb the growth and spread of pesky weeds.

6. Make Landscaping Changes in Spring

If you’re looking to switch things up in your landscaping, it’s a good idea to do it in the spring before your yard becomes established for summer. Consider adding gravel to gardens, patio stones and furniture for a new oasis, and walkways throughout the yard for an easy upgrade to your landscaping.

It’s never too early to start preparing your yard for summer, and RELS Landscaping is your headquarters for all your projects in Frederick and Silver Spring, MD.