Is your lawn and garden ready for summer?

Summer’s intense sun and drying heat can devastate lawns and plants. Taking a few actions now, however, can fortify them against the stress of summer temperatures.

Here are six things to do now.

1. Watering, a bath is better than a shower
If you have not already completed your annual irrigation inspection, do it now. An inspection can detect problems before a sprinkler failure leaves your lawn and garden thirsty on the hottest, driest days of the year.

This is also the perfect time to check your irrigation settings and coverage. As we approach summer’s heat, water in the early morning to avoid evaporation, water deeply to feed roots, and water less frequently because a good soak is better than many showers.

Look also for dehydrated spots in your lawn and garden which will indicate areas of incomplete irrigation coverage. 

2. Aerate or rake
Compacted lawns do not breath well and cannot easily absorb water. Aeration breaks up this barrier, allowing nutrients to reach the roots. Lawns should be aerated every one to three years, with high traffic area getting more frequent attention.

If your lawn is not compacted, but does have more than a half inch of decaying matter on the surface, a good dethatching will also facilitate the flow of nutrients to the root level.

3. Fertilize or top dress
Feeding your lawn and garden prior to summer’s heat strengthens it from stress. Top dressing is especially good before summer as it encourages the retention of moisture.

Contact us if you are unsure of which fertilizer is best for your type of lawn and make sure that you complete your fertilization at least thirty days before the most intense summer heat.

4. Cover bare patches
Bare spots in flowerbeds and lawns need to be covered now before the scalding summer heat erodes the top soil further allowing the invasion of weeds. Lay sod, seed, plant flowers or just cover with mulch to protect those areas now.

5. Mow frequently
Keep mowing frequently to stimulate growth and prevent weeds, but steadily increase the height as the temperature increases to keep roots shaded.

6. Mulch
Replenish mulched areas to provide both nutrients and moisture preserving shade to the roots of plants and trees.