Tips for Keeping Your Virginia Yard Healthy this Summer
Are you sick of the heat yet? I know my yard is! The long, hot summer days take a toll on our beautiful lawns. While we cannot avoid Mother Nature and Virginia’s summer, there are ways to help your yard stay healthy.
1. Water Wisely
Proper watering is one of the most critical factors in lawn care during hot weather. The best time to water your lawn is early in the morning, between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m. This allows the grass to absorb the moisture before the day's heat causes evaporation. Aim for about an inch of water per week, including rainfall. Deep, infrequent watering encourages roots to grow deeper, making your lawn more drought-resistant. Keep the soil moist but don’t overwater. If you find it difficult to keep the beds moist, consider using mulch to help retain moisture. Just remember to avoid suffocating plant stems and trunks.
2. Adjust Your Mowing
During the heat of summer, it’s essential to adjust your mowing habits. Set your mower blade higher to leave the grass about 3-4 inches tall. Taller grass provides shade for the soil, reducing water loss and protecting the roots from the heat. Also, remember to keep your mower blades sharp to avoid tearing the grass, which can stress it further.
3. Feed Your Lawn
Ideally, you fertilized your yard in the spring, but if you didn’t you need to wait until the fall to avoid burning the lawn. Fertilizers provide nutrients that help your grass stay healthy throughout the year, so set a reminder on your calendar to reapply in September if that is part of your lawn care plan.
4. Manage Pesky Insects
Insects can be a nuisance that harms your lawn, plants, and trees. Use natural repellents such as neem oil, insecticidal soaps, and diatomaceous earth to keep pesky insects away without damaging the ecosystem around your home.
5. Deal with Weeds
Weeds can quickly take over a stressed lawn, so keeping them in check is essential. Hand-pulling is effective for small areas, but for larger infestations, natural solutions like vinegar or corn gluten meal can help. Avoid using chemical herbicides during the hot months as they can burn and damage your plants (as well as wildlife in your area).
6. Add Temporary Shade
If you find that your favorite outdoor room is unbearable during the summer, consider adding temporary shade to protect your plants (and you!). Umbrellas, canopies, or even shade cloth can shield your garden and your guests.
7. Groom Plants Throughout the Summer
Regularly grooming your plants keeps them healthy and thriving. Pruning helps shape your plants while deadheading (removing dead leaves and blooms) encourages new growth and prepares your plants for their next bloom cycle. Just be sure to look up grooming instructions for your particular plant species to ensure you don’t do more harm than good.
8. Plan Your Fall Garden
Summer is the perfect time to start planning your fall garden. Decide which spring plants need to be pruned or pulled and which fall plants you want to introduce. Early planning ensures a seamless transition between seasons. And don’t forget Fall maintenance! Schedule time to fertilize, aerate, and clean up your yard.
Taking care of your lawn during the Virginia summer can be challenging, but these tips can help you maintain a healthy yard year-round. If you need inspiration or designs to bring your yard to life this fall, let me know and we’ll schedule a quick call to discuss it further!