Summer offers some of the best weather for working in the yard. The days are long, the sun is shining, and the temperatures are just right. However, as summer winds down, you need to start thinking about how you’ll manage your landscape in the later months.
Couvillion’s Landscapes provides marvel-worthy landscaping installation and maintenance services all year long. Check out their tips below to keep your landscape looking its best as summer comes to a close.
1. Keep Up with Watering
As the temperatures start to drop, your plants will need more water to stay healthy – and to replenish after the hot season. Check the soil regularly to see if it’s dry. If so, water your plants thoroughly.
Mostly, their roots need to be moist, so remember to water them deeply. Depending on the weather conditions, you may need to water daily or every other day. To promote healthy root growth, water your plants in the morning or late evening, so they have ample time to absorb the moisture.
2. Prune Leaves and Branches
Summer weather can take a toll on your landscape. Storms can cause damage, and the hot sun can cause leaves to wilt and turn brown. As summer ends, take the opportunity to trim your hedges and deal with dead branches.
This will keep your landscape looking immaculate in readiness for the coming season. Besides, tidying up after a long, hot summer is always satisfying. Plus, it gives your plants a chance to regrow and fill out.
As the leaves change color and fall from the trees, you’ll also need to adjust your landscaping routine. Rake up leaves regularly to keep your yard looking neat. You may also invest in a leaf blower to simplify the job.
3. Add a Pop of Color
Before Autumn hits, take a trip to your local nursery and pick out some annual flowers to add to your landscape. Adding a few perennials can brighten your yard and give it a fresh look.
That said, pick plants most likely to thrive in your region. If you need to learn about the ideal options, the staff at your local nursery can help you select suitable plants. For instance, you can plant impatiens, pentas, and marigolds in Southeast Louisiana.
4. Get Rid of Pests
Summer is the perfect time to get rid of pests in your landscape. Caterpillars, beetles, and aphids can do a lot of damage to your plants. Use an insecticide to get rid of them. While at it, treat your plants for diseases. By so doing, you can prevent further damage.
And as the temperature drops, your lawn could be at risk for a fungus infection. Treat it with a fungicide to avert potential issues. Even so, don’t overspray, as this could do more harm than good. For instance, fungicides can harm bees, so use them sparingly.
5. Deal with the Weeds
Weeds are more likely to grow in the summer because of the heat and rain. However, you can still find them in other seasons. That said, if you let them linger, they can take over your yard and crowd out your plants.
To prevent the weed cycle, pull them up by the root as soon as you see them. You can also use a pre-emergent herbicide to keep them from germinating. Or, you may opt for organic herbicides to avoid harming the environment.
6. Mulch
Mulch helps keep the soil moist and cool while adding essential nutrients. What’s more, it prevents weed growth by blocking sunlight. Spread a layer of mulch around your plants to give them a boost and protect them from the summer sun. It’s also advisable to top up the mulch every few months to keep the level consistent.
7. Deadhead Flowers
In essence, deadheading is the process of removing dead or dying flowers. This helps encourage new growth and prevents plants from wasting energy on flowers that won’t amount to anything. Plus, it keeps your landscape looking tidy while controlling self-seeding, which creates a weed problem for the coming season. Snip off the flowers at the stem without damaging the plant.
8. Fertilize Your Lawn
The summer heat and rain can deplete the nutrients in the soil, leaving your plants struggling to get by. Use a fertilizer that’s high in nitrogen to promote growth. You may also use an all-purpose fertilizer if you are unsure of the ideal one. That said, be careful not to overdo it – too much fertilizer can damage your plants. A pound of nitrogen fertilizer per 1,000 square feet should be sufficient.
Overall, by adopting proper practices, you can ensure your landscape is healthy and ready for fall and the coming year. That way, you won’t have to start from scratch come springtime. And if you need assistance with your lawn or garden, consider hiring a professional landscaper.
