Summer Lawn Care - How's Your Lawn Doing?
As we prepare for the 4th of July settling into the warmer months of the year. Our lawns have already endured the scorching heat and occasional drought over the past month.
Adjust Your Mower Height and Sharpen the Blade To keep your lawn in optimal condition, raise your mower to a height of 3-4 inches and ensure that the blade is sharp. This will promote healthier growth, prevent disease and drought stress, and reduce the need for excessive watering.
Adopt Proper Watering Practices Maintaining a green lawn requires efficient watering techniques. Make sure you water your lawn appropriately to keep it healthy. For a comprehensive guide on watering practices, refer to our dedicated blog on the subject.
Combat Mosquitoes With the arrival of summer, it's essential to protect yourself and your loved ones from pesky mosquitoes. Mosquitoes not only cause annoyance but also pose health risks, as they can transmit diseases such as Encephalitis and Zika. Consider using mosquito repellent sprays such as Jungle Juice or Repel Lemon Eucalyptus Spray. The organic Eucalyptus Spray, in particular, offers effective protection and a pleasant scent. Additionally, wearing long sleeves and pants can help minimize mosquito bites, especially during cooler evenings. To safeguard your landscape, eliminate potential breeding grounds by eliminating any standing water sources and removing damp areas where mosquitoes tend to rest.
Trim and Prune Shrubs and Trees Although summer may not be the ideal time for trimming certain plants, it is suitable for maintaining many others. Trim flowering shrubs right after they have finished blooming to promote healthy growth without compromising next year's flowers. Avoid removing more than one-third of the plant to prevent excessive stress. As for hedges and non-flowering shrubs, it's best to wait until after the spring growth spurt to perform any trimming. When it comes to trees, consult a professional, as certain species like maples and oaks have specific pruning windows that should be followed.
Be Vigilant Against Moles and Grubs If you observe large areas of your lawn that haven't recovered or are mostly bare, it may indicate a grub infestation. To check for grubs, lift the outermost layer of the sod where it meets the soil, about 1-2 inches down. Grubs, if present, will be feeding on the grass roots. If you have a history of grub problems, it's crucial to apply a grub control treatment as soon as possible. Additionally, mole activity may be a sign of other lawn issues. While we don't offer mole control services, traps can be effective in removing them. Avoid using poison pellets, especially if you have small pets.
Plant Appropriately for Your Landscape Summertime is a popular period for landscaping endeavors. When selecting plants, consider the specific conditions of each area in your yard, such as sunlight exposure, shade, moisture levels, and proximity to trees. Proper plant selection based on these factors will ensure successful growth and longevity. Assess the amount of sun each area receives throughout the day before making your choices.
Stay on Top of Landscape Weeds After the initial spring growth, it's important to prevent weeds from taking over your landscape. Devote a few minutes each day or week to address the weed issue. Tackle different areas systematically, dividing the work to maintain a manageable workload. For areas with minimal plantings, using a herbicide with caution can be an effective approach. Ensure you read and follow the instructions on the product label, and be careful to avoid contact with desirable plants. Applying a pre-emergent weed control product, such as "Preen," is also recommended at this time. This should be the second application, with the first applied in early spring, and it will help keep weeds at bay throughout the season.
By following these tips, you'll be well-equipped to keep your lawn and landscape looking vibrant and healthy throughout the summer months. Remember, proper mowing, watering, pruning, pest control, and plant selection are essential for a beautiful outdoor space.
Need some help with lawn care? We have you covered! Give us a call or fill out a form to book service.
