Summer is right around the corner, which means now is the best possible time to get your yard ready for the warmest time of the year. Direct sunlight and scorching heat can take a toll on your home’s landscaping if your yard isn’t prepared. To help keep your yard in great shape all summer long, here are a few key tips you can use to get your landscaping ready.
Remove any dead plant material
If you haven’t yet removed the dead plant material around your lawn and garden that built up during the winter months, now is the time to do it. Dead or dying plants can block sunlight from your other flowers and grass, which can leave your landscaping look more tan than green once summer officially arrives. Rake up any dead plant matter in your yard and then use gardening gloves to pick away any other dead material that’s closer to your flowers. Don’t rake too close to your plants or too hard or you’ll risk damaging your lawn. Update your landscaping supplies such as rocks or gravel that may have been damaged during the winter months as well.
Mow your lawn (at the right height)
Many homeowners wait to cut their lawn until their grass has had enough time to recover from the winter season. Be sure that when the time comes to mow your lawn that you do it at the right height. It’s not recommended to cut your grass below 3 inches high during the summer months. The reason for this is because the longer your grass is the more water it retains. This is important because the summer sun can suck the water right out of your plants. Cutting your grass too short could leave you with splotchy grass and browning.
Water your lawn and garden during dry periods
Not all homeowners have sprinkler systems and that’s okay. However, if you rely too much on the summer rain to give your lawn and garden some water, you could end up with a yard that looks more like a matchstick. Be sure to keep your soil moist by watering your lawn during dry spells. Avoid using sprinkler systems and hoses too often and don’t place them near the trunks of your trees.
Don’t plant shrubs too close
If you’re looking to take your garden to the next level this season and add some more plants and shrubbery for extra definition, be sure not to plant your shrubs too close to each other. This goes for planting your shrubs too close to trees as well. Trees and shrubs need to be at least four to six feet apart from each other (kind of like social distancing for plants!). The reason for this is because these plants can end up fighting each other for nutrients in the soil, root space, and sunlight. If you plan to plant rows of shrubs and trees, give each plant 10 to 12 feet of space to ensure proper healthy growth. Strategically placed shrubs and trees will not only make your yard look great but they’ll also save you up to 25% on your energy bills.
Plant seasonal flowers
One of the best things about summer is seeing happy blooming flowers in your garden. A good mix of annuals and perennials can help to keep your garden looking great all the way up until the winter months. If you planted mums during the fall last year, now may be the time when you start to spot them blooming. For more summertime flowers, consider planting asters, black-eyed Susans, verbena, zinnia, hibiscus, lantana, and the class marigold. Marigolds, in particular, are a great summer plant because they’re incredibly cheerful and their blooms last anywhere from 45 to 50 days. Like mums, marigolds can be annuals or perennials and can add some fun vibrancy to your garden.
Looking for landscaping supplies this summer?
The summer season is the best time to get outdoors and soak up the sun. But if your yard isn’t in the best condition, it might damper the mood. Get the right landscaping supplies this season to keep your yard looking great! Gateway Home and Garden Center has a wide array of landscaping supplies you can use to take your yard to the next level including stone aggregates, annuals and perennials, and landscaping rocks. For more information about our different types of landscaping materials and supplies, contact us today.
