Lawn and Garden Maintenance: Keeping Landscaping Lush in Summer

Summer is the best time of year to grow a gorgeous garden. When the weather is nice and sunny, you have more time to spend outdoors enjoying your lawn. That's why it's important to know the right landscaping tips to keep your property looking beautiful.

Check your garden's health regularly

The best way to maintain a lush summer garden is to check in every day or two. Look for signs of pests, make sure your plants are watered and consider adding mulch to prevent pesky weeds from sprouting up.

Don't overwater your lawn

Grass is meant to thrive in different climates, so it will be able to handle hotter days without a flood of watering. One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is overwatering their lawns. In the summer, stick to watering twice a week, and be mindful of how much water you apply to your grass. Roughly half an inch each time should suffice. Avoid watering in the hottest period of the day when sunlight is strongest. This increases the amount of water that evaporates instead of soaking into the ground.

Another option is to invest in a sprinkler that will handle all your lawn watering. Irrigation systems help you save water, and they can be programmed to run on a schedule or activated from your phone. Check out Marketplace by TheHomeMag to find a certified professional near you.

Pull weeds early

The best way to prevent weeds is to stay on top of their growth. Pulling them when they're just beginning to grow can prevent them from stealing nutrients from your grass and plants.

Using herbicides can also help deter pests, such as squirrels, that are attracted to weeds. Just make sure that you check the safety of products that children or pets may come in contact with. You may need to look into natural alternatives to chemicals to protect your household.

Add shade

Shade is a vital part of protecting your lawn during the summer. It can also make your landscape more enjoyable to be in. Try a big umbrella, covered pergola or lattice panel to protect your plants from the sun's harsh rays and keep your garden cool.

If you want to cover your plants individually, drive at least four wooden stakes, at least 6 inches taller than the plants, into the ground around them. They will support the coverings so that they can shield your plants without touching them. You always want them to have access to fresh air.

With summer in full swing, there's still time to up your garden game and make your backyard a wonderful place to relax and enjoy the season. For more home care and gardening tips, follow us on Instagram and Facebook.