Beat the Heat: Your Guide to a Lush Summer Lawn & Landscape

Summer is officially here, and with it comes sunshine, longer days, and the promise of vibrant outdoor living! But the heat and increased activity can also be tough on your lawn and landscape. Don't worry – with a few proactive steps, you can keep your yard looking its best and thriving all season long.

Here's your essential guide to summer lawn and landscape care:

1. Water Wisely, Not Wildly

This is probably the most crucial tip for summer. Instead of daily, shallow sprinkles, aim for deep, infrequent watering.

• When to water: Early morning (before 10 AM) is ideal. This minimizes evaporation and allows the water to soak in before the midday sun hits. Watering in the evening can lead to fungal issues.

• How much: Your lawn generally needs about 1-1.5 inches of water per week, either from rain or irrigation. Use a rain gauge to monitor natural rainfall.

• Check for thirst: Don't just water on a schedule. Look for signs of stress like dull, grayish-green grass or footprints that remain visible.

• Targeted watering: For established trees and shrubs, direct water to the root zone, not just the leaves. Consider drip irrigation for beds.

• Use a smart timer like Orbit B-hyve

  
  

2. Mowing Smarter, Not Shorter

Resist the urge to scalp your lawn for a neat look. Taller grass is healthier grass!

• Raise your mower blades: Aim for a cutting height of 3 inches or higher for most cool-season grasses, and 2-3 inches for warm-season varieties. Taller grass shades the soil, retains moisture, and helps crowd out weeds.

• Mow frequently: Remove no more than one-third of the grass blade at each mowing. This might mean mowing more often in peak growing periods.

• Leave the clippings: Unless they're clumpy, leave grass clippings on the lawn. They act as a natural fertilizer, returning valuable nutrients and moisture to the soil.

• Keep blades sharp: Dull blades tear the grass, making it susceptible to disease and giving your lawn a ragged appearance.

3. Feeding Your Green Friends (Sparingly)

While spring and fall are prime fertilizing seasons, summer feeding needs a lighter touch.

• Cool-season grasses: Generally, it's best to avoid heavy nitrogen fertilization during the peak heat of summer, as it can stress the turf. If your lawn looks weak, a light application of a slow-release, low-nitrogen fertilizer might be okay, but often it's better to wait until fall.

• Warm-season grasses: These grasses are actively growing in summer and can benefit from a balanced, slow-release fertilizer if needed. Always follow product instructions carefully.

• Container plants & annuals: These hungry plants will benefit from regular feeding (every 2-4 weeks) with a balanced liquid fertilizer as they are constantly flowering and producing.

4. Weed Warfare (The Ongoing Battle)

Weeds love the summer sun as much as your desirable plants!

• Hand-pulling: For smaller infestations, good old-fashioned hand-pulling is effective, especially after a rain when the soil is soft.

• Spot treatment: Use targeted herbicides for stubborn weeds, always following label directions to avoid harming desired plants.

• Healthy lawn defense: The best defense against weeds is a thick, healthy lawn that naturally outcompetes them.

5. Pruning for Health & Shape

• Deadheading: Remove spent blooms from annuals and perennials to encourage more flowers and keep plants looking tidy.

• Shrubs: Most extensive shrub pruning is best done after flowering or in late winter/early spring, but you can do light shaping and remove dead or diseased branches in summer. Avoid heavy pruning during extreme heat.

• Don't prune heat-stressed plants: If a plant is wilting or looking stressed, hold off on pruning until it recovers.

• Use sharp and clean tools: Using sharp and clean pruning tools is essential for plant health and gardener efficiency. Sharp blades create clean cuts, which allow plants to heal quickly and reduce the risk of disease and pest infestations. Clean tools also prevent the spread of pathogens between plants, maintaining overall garden health. Ultimately, this practice leads to healthier plants, easier work, and extended tool lifespan. Get your hands on a pair of Felco Pruners, the professional's choice.

6. Mulch, Mulch, Mulch!

If you haven't mulched your garden beds yet, summer is a great time to refresh it.

• Benefits: Mulch conserves moisture, suppresses weeds, regulates soil temperature, and adds a finished look to your landscape.

• Application: Apply a 2-4 inch layer around plants, keeping it a few inches away from tree trunks and shrub stems to prevent rot.

By following these summer care tips, you can enjoy a vibrant, healthy lawn and landscape that enhances your outdoor living space all season long. Happy gardening!