As the once-cool temperature begins to warm up and summer quickly approaches, it’s essential for professional landscapers and landscaping contractors to prepare and have the necessary supplies and materials for their clients’ landscapes this upcoming summer season. Today’s article will provide a detailed guide on how to prepare a landscape for summer, focusing on lawn care, action planning against pests, disease, and weeds, and adding pops of color.

Focus on Lawn Care

Mowing Techniques: It’s essential to start the season with a sharp mower blade to ensure a clean cut. Regular mowing is necessary to prevent the grass from getting too long, which can weaken the root system. Additionally, it’s important to change the mowing pattern each time to prevent the grass from leaning in one direction.

Proper Way to Water the Lawn: Proper watering is essential for a healthy lawn. It’s best to water deeply and infrequently to encourage deep root growth. A general rule of thumb is to water 1 inch per week, which can be achieved by watering for more extended periods of time less frequently.

The Importance of Aerating and Fertilizing: Aerating is the process of creating small holes in the soil to allow for better air and water circulation, which can help the roots absorb nutrients. Fertilizing helps to provide the grass with the necessary nutrients it needs to grow strong and healthy. It’s essential to use the right type of fertilizer for the specific grass type and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application.

Create an Action Plan Against Weeds, Diseases, and Pests

How to Prevent Weeds: One effective method to prevent weeds is through the use of landscape fabric and mulch. Landscape fabric is placed on top of the soil and under the mulch, which helps to prevent weed growth. Additionally, adding a mulch layer helps retain moisture in the soil and can provide an attractive appearance.

Signs of Disease in Plants, Grass, Trees, and Shrubs, and How to Tackle This Issue: It’s important to regularly inspect plants, grass, trees, and shrubs for signs of disease, such as wilting, yellowing, or spots on the leaves. Once identified, it’s important to take action to prevent the spread of the disease, which may include pruning, applying a fungicide, or removing the infected plant.

How to Prevent Pests in a Natural Way: One natural way to prevent pests is to encourage the presence of beneficial insects, such as ladybugs, lacewings, and praying mantis, which can help to control pest populations. Additionally, using companion planting, which is the practice of planting certain plants together to deter pests, can be effective. For example, planting marigolds with vegetables can deter pests like aphids and nematodes.

Add Organic Pops of Color

Natural Stones: Incorporating natural stones into the landscape can add an element of interest and texture. Stones can be used to create a pathway, a seating area, or a retaining wall.

Flower Beds: Flower beds can add a pop of color and visual interest to a landscape. It’s important to choose plants that are suited to the specific growing conditions, such as sun exposure and soil type.

Native Plants: Using native plants can help to attract local wildlife, such as butterflies and birds, and can require less maintenance since they can better adapt to the local region’s climate and soil conditions.

Vegetable Garden: A vegetable garden can provide a source of fresh produce and can add an element of interest to a landscape. It’s important to choose the right location, which should have ample sunlight and good drainage, and to choose plants that are suited to the specific growing conditions.

Landscape Lighting: Use landscape lighting to highlight architectural elements, greenery, and flower beds. Landscape lighting can add an element of visual interest and can help to highlight key features. It is also a great security feature.

Summer landscape projects are an exciting adventure. It is essential that you are prepared with all the necessary landscaping supplies. Contact FSI Landscape for your summer landscape essentials.