How to Maintain Your Summer Landscaping

grey home with good summer landscaping

Everyone is getting ready for summer! You can almost smell the hot dogs and hamburgers on the grill. It’s time for shorts, t-shirts, and flipflops. Soon you’ll be kicking off your flip-flops and walking barefoot through the grass, and you want it to be lush, green, and healthy. Here are some tips to help you keep your landscaping looking lovely through dry spells and high temperatures.

Watering

Some people forget to adjust their watering schedule to meet summer’s harsh conditions. On the other side of the coin, many people overcompensate for the sun’s heat and end up overwatering. They fail to realize that their lawn likely only needs about an inch of water a week. However, that small amount should be properly supplied so it can be absorbed and used. Otherwise, it might evaporate too quickly or immediately run off. 

To ensure you’re efficiently watering your lawn and plants you can:

  • Water first thing in the morning or in the evening. If you have hanging plants, they might need to be watered twice a day.
  • Make sure you’re watering plants and flowers at their roots. A soaker hose can do this effectively. 
  • Use a drip irrigation system that will water your grass slowly. This will reduce the likelihood of immediate evaporation.

Mowing and Trimming

Regular mowing and trimming play a crucial role in maintaining a well-manicured landscape. Set the proper height for your lawnmower blades and be certain that they’re sharp enough to do the job effectively. Avoid removing more than one-third of the grass height at once, as this can weaken your lawn’s roots. After you mow it, don’t just throw the grass clippings away. Mulching them will give your lawn additional nutrients.

Next, take the time to regularly trim the edges of your lawn and garden beds to create a clean and polished look. For larger properties, you might want to consider hiring a professional landscaping service. 

Nourishing Your Landscape: Fertilizing and Soil Care 

A healthy landscape relies on proper nourishment. When deciding how to best care for your lawn, test your soil to determine which nutrients it needs. Then follow the instructions to correctly apply the fertilizer. 

Organic fertilizers are a great option for promoting the long-term health of your soil. You can also improve overall water and nutrient penetration by aerating your lawn. Regularly remove debris to prevent soil compaction, and consider adding compost to help your soil’s health.

Combating Pests and Weeds

Keeping pests and weeds at bay is crucial for maintaining the health and beauty of your summer landscape. Throughout the season:

  • Monitor and select the appropriate pest and weed control methods. Consider organic options that protect your landscape without relying on potentially harmful chemicals.
  • Remove weeds as they appear. They’re more than just unattractive; they can rob your grass of vital nutrients. If you don’t remove them fast, they will continue to spread.
  • Look out for signs of pest infestations, such as chewed leaves or wilting. However, bear in mind not all insects are pests; some are beneficial. Therefore, opt for natural pest-control methods to minimize harming them.

Benjamin Franklin’s adage, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” applies to gardening too. Using a pre-emergent herbicide can help prevent weeds’ seeds from germinating. It’s easier to prevent weeds than it is to get rid of them.

Continued Summer Landscaping Care

Maintaining a vibrant landscape requires consistent care and attention. By following these summer landscaping tips for watering, mowing, fertilizing, and controlling pests and weeds, you can create an outdoor space to enjoy all season. Whenever you need assistance, RELS Landscaping Supply is here to help you maintain and enhance your summer landscape so you can relax and enjoy it beginning to end. Get in touch with us today!