Summer is one of the most popular times for people to work on their landscaping. But with the hot temperatures and sporadic rainstorms, it can be difficult to know exactly how to take care of your landscaping during the summer season. And with all of the myths out there about summer landscaping, many homeowners find themselves struggling with their complex landscaping needs. With that in mind, this article is going to debunk a few common myths and misconceptions about landscaping during the summer.
Cutting the grass short means less maintenance
Many homeowners make the mistake of thinking that if they cut their grass nice and short, then it will be better off. Unfortunately, it’s quite the opposite. When grass is cut short, it can do more harm than good — the grass roots will be more exposed to sunlight, which can lead to patchier growing. Additionally, short grass will allow for more weeds to grow, which is exactly the opposite of what you want to happen. Overall, short grass will lead to a brown, weed-infested yard. So instead, keep your grass at a reasonable length.
Water plants during the hottest time of the day
The summer sun beats down during the afternoon and many people think since it’s so hot, this is when they should water their plants, shrubs, and trees. But watering during the hottest time of the day will have little to no effect because the water will quickly evaporate. And if this happens, then your plant life could possibly go semi-dormant and begin to wither away. During the summer, it’s especially important to ensure you’re watering the deep roots of your plants. To do this, the best time to water is in the early morning to give your plants plenty of time to absorb the water before the afternoon heat arrives.
It doesn’t matter what kind of plants are planted during the summer
One final mistake that many homeowners make when it comes to landscaping is not considering when plants and flowers should be planted. Oftentimes, homeowners just choose plants and flowers based on their looks and not which season they do best in. It’s important to know the difference between annuals and perennials, which season the plants thrive in, and when is optimal planting time. When you go to gather your landscape supplies, make sure to ask about plants you’re interested in to see if summer is the best time to plant them.
While many homeowners choose to do landscaping for fun, it can actually also raise your property value by up to 12%. So it’s important to do your best to get it right. Hopefully, debunking these myths will help you handle your complex landscaping needs better this summer and give you a beautiful landscape that will last all year long.
If you need help with complex landscaping needs or are looking for more information on particular plants, contact Gateway Home and Garden Center today.