4 Summer Yard Care Tips
With plenty of sunshine and warmer temperatures, it’s time to get out and enjoy your yard. Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of the outdoors this summer.
Prepare plants for the heat
Plants and grass love sunshine, but not excessive temperatures. And while they won’t ask you to rub sunscreen on their backs, they will need a few things:
- Trim back any branches and plants that look overgrown. Overgrowth can block sunlight, and doesn’t look great either.
- Pull those weeds. They steal nutrients from your grass and plants, and stealing is wrong. They also create shelter for insects to hide in.
- Fertilize your lawn and plants. Living things need food. Feed them summer fertilizer to keep them healthy.
Water, water, and water
When it’s hot, moisture dries up much faster than normal, making your yard extra thirsty. Make sure you give your lawn, flowers and trees plenty of water during the summer months.
- Your summer lawn needs at least 1 inch of water per week. For best results, deep soak your lawn 2-3 times a week.
- Water in the mornings, never during the hot afternoons. This keeps the water cooler and allows the roots to absorb more moisture. Plus, who wants a hot shower in the summer?
- Don’t overwater. Watering everyday or drowning the area can have negative consequences—like dead plants, brown spots, and even worse, bigger water bills.
Mow high and often
Your lawn mower is probably the most important—and most used—tool during the summer months. A proper cut is vital for a healthy summer lawn.
- Raise your mower’s blade height and never cut the grass below 3 inches. The higher height helps insulate your grass from the sun and reduces water loss.
- Mow in the morning, not in the afternoon. Mowing when it’s hottest will burn your lawn. Also, never mow wet grass. It can clog your mower’s deck.
- Keep it clean. Mow your lawn frequently to keep your grass healthy and achieve that nice manicured look.
Repair lawn spots
Nothing ruins the appearance of your yard like yellow or brown lawn spots. Good thing getting rid of them is easy.
- Fill in any brown spots or dead areas with summer grass seed. Apply an even amount to the area, no need to go overboard.
- After seeding, maintain your summer water schedule. (1 inch each week. 2-3 deep soaks per week.) Regular watering helps release nutrients into the soil.
- Don’t oversaturate the soil by over-seeding or overwatering. That just makes those lawn spots worse.
Summertime is when you’ll spend the most time outside, so show your yard some love and you’ll enjoy the great outdoors even more.
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