Summer in the Greater Boston area can be a challenge for your landscape. Hot temperatures, intense sunlight, and occasional droughts can stress your plants and lawn. But with a little extra care and attention, you can keep your landscape thriving throughout the summer months. Jean Brooks Landscapes, serving homeowners throughout Cambridge, Somerville, Brookline, Newton, Wellesley, Weston, Belmont, Arlington, Lexington, Winchester, and Boston, offers these summer landscaping tips to help you maintain a healthy and beautiful outdoor space.
Watering Wisely:
- Deep and Infrequent Watering: Water deeply and infrequently to encourage deep root growth. Water early in the morning or late in the evening to minimize evaporation.
- Monitor Soil Moisture: Check the soil moisture regularly, especially during hot, dry periods. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
- Water Zones Efficiently: If you have an irrigation system, adjust the watering schedule based on the weather and the needs of your plants. Water different zones with different frequencies and amounts, depending on their sun exposure and plant types.
- Hand Watering: For container plants, hanging baskets, and newly planted trees and shrubs, hand watering may be necessary to ensure they receive adequate moisture.
Mowing and Lawn Care:
- Mow High: Keep your lawn mower blade set to a higher setting to encourage deeper root growth and shade the soil, reducing water evaporation. Aim to cut no more than one-third of the grass blade at a time.
- Sharp Blades: Use sharp mower blades to prevent tearing the grass, which can make it more susceptible to disease.
- Leave Clippings: Leave grass clippings on the lawn as a natural fertilizer. This practice, known as grasscycling, returns valuable nutrients to the soil.
Caring for Trees and Shrubs:
- Monitor for Pests and Diseases: Inspect trees and shrubs regularly for signs of pests or diseases. Take action promptly if you notice any problems.
- Deadhead Flowers: Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming.
- Prune Selectively: Prune any dead or damaged branches. Avoid heavy pruning during the summer, as it can stress plants.
Maintaining Flowerbeds and Gardens:
- Weed Regularly: Keep flowerbeds and gardens free of weeds, which compete with your plants for water and nutrients.
- Mulch: Maintain a layer of mulch around your plants to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
- Fertilize: Fertilize flowering plants and vegetables with a balanced fertilizer to promote healthy growth and blooms.
Protecting Your Hardscaping:
- Clean Regularly: Sweep or power wash patios, walkways, and other hardscaping surfaces to remove dirt, debris, and stains.
- Seal (If Necessary): If your hardscaping is made of porous materials like concrete or natural stone, consider sealing it to protect it from stains and moisture damage.
Enjoying Your Outdoor Space:
- Provide Shade: Create shaded areas in your landscape with trees, umbrellas, or pergolas to provide relief from the summer sun.
- Outdoor Lighting: Enhance the beauty and functionality of your outdoor space with landscape lighting. Enjoy your patio or garden long after the sun sets.
- Mosquito Control: Minimize mosquito breeding grounds by eliminating standing water. Use mosquito repellents or consider installing mosquito traps.
Working with Jean Brooks Landscapes:
Maintaining a thriving landscape during the summer months can be challenging. Jean Brooks Landscapes is here to help.
Our team can:
- Assess your property and provide personalized recommendations.
- Perform all necessary summer landscaping tasks, from mowing and watering to pest and disease control.
- Provide ongoing maintenance throughout the season to ensure that your landscape looks its best.
Serving the Greater Boston Area:
Jean Brooks Landscapes proudly serves homeowners throughout the Greater Boston area, including Cambridge, Somerville, Brookline, Newton, Wellesley, Weston, Belmont, Arlington, Lexington, Winchester, and Boston. We understand the unique challenges of summer landscaping in this region and are committed to helping you maintain a healthy and beautiful outdoor space.
Benefits of Professional Summer Landscaping:
- Expertise and Experience: We have the knowledge and skills to properly care for your landscape during the summer months.
- Time Savings: We can handle all the necessary tasks efficiently and effectively.
- Healthy Landscape: Proper summer care ensures that your landscape thrives throughout the season.
- Beautiful Outdoor Space: We can help you create a beautiful and inviting outdoor space for relaxation and enjoyment.
A Thriving Summer Landscape:
With a little extra care and attention, your landscape can thrive throughout the summer months. By following these tips and considering professional assistance, you can enjoy a beautiful and healthy outdoor space all season long.
Contact Us Today:
Ready to keep your landscape thriving this summer? Contact Jean Brooks Landscapes today for a consultation. Whether you’re in Cambridge, Somerville, Brookline, Newton, Wellesley, Weston, Belmont, Arlington, Lexington, Winchester, or Boston, we look forward to working with you.