Landscaping Tips for the Summer

Expert Contributor

How to keep your lawn and planting beds alive and looking good during the hot summer months

by TJ Warner, Owner of JHL Landscaping

Mid-summer is a great time for shrub pruning and seasonal cultural care. Proper pruning is essential for maintaining a healthy landscape. When pruning, shrubs and ornamental trees should be evaluated for plant health and disease control. Shrub pruning is recommended twice per season, in early summer and again in mid-fall.

It’s very important to consult a professional before any pruning takes place because not all shrubs require the same type of pruning. For example, larger leaf shrubs such as cherry laurels require hand pruning, whereas smaller leaf shrubs such as boxwoods can be mechanically or hand-sheared.

Corrective pruning is a more aggressive method that’s used for several different reasons. One is to remove large limbs that are already or may soon obstruct house site lines (visibility). Corrective pruning may be necessary to remove dead wood within a plant. And this pruning method also helps preserve mature trees and shrubs.

By summertime, all lawns have been maintained on a mowing schedule. Making sure your lawn is cut properly helps bring curb appeal to your property and allows your lawn to look healthy. Edging your lawn on a weekly basis will help keep your lawn looking clean for the season. Blades should be kept at average 3.5-4 inches and should be sharpened frequently.

When rainfall is limited, the mowing schedule should be adjusted accordingly. Lawns should be cut on a 7-10 day cycle, to ensure the lawn doesn’t “brown out.” As soon as temperatures drop again and lawns are growing more rapid, the mow cycle should be adjusted.

Irrigation is often overlooked when maintaining a healthy landscape. The mid-Atlantic region experiences very warm and often dry summer conditions. Frequent watering will keep lawns and plantings healthier during times of limited rainfall. Be sure to have a qualified technician evaluate and adjust your irrigation system. This will help ensure lawn areas and planting beds are getting the proper amount of water that will keep them alive during the hot summer months.

TJ Warner, Owner of JHL Landscaping

610-356-4104

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