7 To-Dos For a Fresh and Fabulous Summertime Lawn
We get it—maintaining your yard during summer ranks low on the fun factor, but keeping your grass green and plants happy is a must-do. The extreme temperatures and unpredictable summer storms can cause severe stress for your lawn and the plants and trees within it. Check out our list of to-dos to ensure landscaping beauty all season long.
1. Plant water-conserving plants.
This time of year, it’s easy to exhaust yourself trying to keep plants that require tons of maintenance alive. Avoid this common problem by ensuring your plants can withstand the summer’s high temperatures and low moisture levels. Look up plants native to your area and try to adjust your lawn or garden to be fully compatible with the heat, saving you time—and money on your water bills.
2. Keep your lawn hydrated.
This doesn’t mean you should water your grass while the sun is at its highest. Keeping your lawn hydrated during the summer months is about planning. Watering in the early morning or setting your sprinklers to activate later in the evening will prevent the sun from evaporating the water your grass needs too quickly. Drip irrigation is another solution to summer heat, allowing plants to absorb water slowly so that overwatering doesn’t disrupt the health of your yard.
3. Mow once a week.
In the summer especially, mowing can seem like a horrific chore. Consider setting a schedule, rewarding yourself, or getting a tech gadget, like a robot lawnmower, to help you stay motivated to get the job done. Always mow your lawn at least once a week, if not more, depending on your desired style and community guidelines.
4. Clean up after your pets.
Without constant rainfall or proper irrigation, having pets can take its toll on your yard. Disposing of your pets’ waste promptly and flushing areas of dying or wilting grass to dilute waste will keep your lawn free of dead patches.
5. Promptly take care of weeds.
Weeds not only steal the spotlight from your precious plants—they also steal the water and nutrients, too. Schedule weeding and mowing at the same time to help you stick with it and prevent your grass and other plants from getting overtaken before autumn arrives.
6. Consider using mulch to conserve moisture.
Many people incorporate a yearly mulch purchase as part of their spring and summer landscaping—and for good reason. Mulch can cultivate a healthy garden or landscape, locking in soil moisture and preventing your garden or lawn from losing water too quickly.
7. Add pest-resistant flora.
If mosquitoes or other pesky bugs run rampant in your area, the plants in your garden can be used as a deterrent. Mosquitoes are repelled by plants like basil, lavender, citronella grass, and more. Check out these other mosquito repelling ideas and consider incorporating a few so you can enjoy your lawn or garden in bug-free peace.
Summer Maintenance Checklist for Your Home
Just like your landscape, your home also needs a little extra TLC this time of year. Our article, “Summer Maintenance Checklist for Your Home” gives you a rundown of tasks that’ll help keep your home in tip-top shape.