While many people think of spring as the time to do the majority of work on their yard and outdoor space, proper landscape management should be undertaken during all seasons. The hazy days of late summer are a perfect time to get out and enjoy some great times in your yard before fall arrives for good. There are many things to pay attention to in your yard from Labor Day through the first frost.
You may have not been paying close attention to your landscaping during the hot days of summer, so there is likely a good amount of maintenance that will need to be done once the mercury starts to drop a little. Even with the best of intentions, the distractions of work, family, and the many pleasures of summer likely took priority, so now it’s time to get back to work!
Maybe your landscaping grew out of control while you weren’t looking, perhaps weeds have taken over your grass and flower beds. A less-than-optimal landscape could even include spent flowers and trees and shrubs that look shaggy and overgrown. You might be tempted to give up on your yard for the year, thinking that it’s too late to do anything to spruce it up, but don’t give in to that temptation! You can make your yard shine again, and you can take proactive steps to make it an enjoyable space for the fall and throughout the winter.
There is no need to get overwhelmed. The landscape professionals at the Ohio Valley Group have been helping homeowners like you create outdoor spaces that work throughout all seasons for over thirty years! Give us a call to see how we can help you bring your yard back to life.
What should I do first to fix up my yard in late summer?
There is no need to stop taking care of your lawn just because the summer is ending! You worked hard in the spring to create a beautiful yard. Keep up the good work and you’ll enjoy it throughout the fall.
There are more dangers to be on the lookout for during late summer than in other months. It is during late summer when weeds, fungal diseases, crabgrasses, and pests start to become more prevalent. Having a trusted lawn service like the Ohio Valley Group take care of your yard is always the best defense, but there are some simple things you can pay attention to that will set you up for success in the fall and into winter.
Pay attention to the weeds! If you let weeds go too long, they will flower and then spread their seeds, making their impact much, much worse the longer you ignore them. Late summer is the perfect mix of temperature and moisture for many weed types in our region, so it’s best to take care of them as soon as you see them sprout.
Keep everything hydrated! It is during the late summer that your plants and grass are actively growing their roots, making their preparations for the coming cooler months. They are likely thirsty after the long, hot summer months, and even if it was a rainy spring you’ll want to make sure that they don’t get overly stressed, stunting their growth. Keeping them watered through late summer means healthy root growth, setting your plants and lawn up for success next spring.
Fight the fungus! When the temperature starts to go down, the fungus takes advantage of the cooler weather. The buildup of thatch and grass clippings built up over the summer could be blocking the sunlight at ground level, creating the perfect environment for fungus. Keep an eye out, and take care of it early to prevent problems.
What should I focus on for maintenance?
We all know that first impressions are most important, and this applies to your yard even in the late summer months! Make sure that you keep up your regular maintenance, but also pay attention to some new things. Parts of your yard that are looking dead and dried out should be cut back or removed so that you can lay the groundwork for new growth.
Pruning is a key part of this. You’ll want to remove parts of trees, shrubs, bushes, and other plants that have started to look a bit scraggly. Clear out the dead branches and trim everything back to neat and tidy shapes.
Also, consider deadheading spent flowers. Once they’ve bloomed and you’ve enjoyed their vibrant colors, the wilted flower heads can make your garden beds look unkempt. Not only does cutting the spent flowers off their stems make things look better, but it also encourages new growth, possibly even extending your flowering season!
Should I consider planning for next season?
The short answer is yes! Late summer is the perfect time to start planning for next spring and summer. You might want to change the design, install some hardscape, start making plans for a new patio. The design experts at the Ohio Valley Group are here to help. We’ll work with you to create the perfect outdoor space.
Instead of giving up on your yard for the year, late summer is perfect for cleaning up your landscaping and taking stock of how your yard could be even better for your needs next year.