How To Transition a Landscape From Spring to Summer

As the seasons change, so do the needs of your yard. The transition from spring to summer requires you to prepare your outdoor space for the warmer months ahead. Read our guide for everything you need to know about getting your yard ready to thrive in the summer heat. You can also watch the video above featuring landscape contractors Jenn Nawada and Lee Gilliam, who share expert advice on smoothly transitioning your yard from spring to summer.

Cleanup and Mulching for Summer

The first step in preparing your yard for summer is a thorough cleanup. While many homeowners tackle this task in early spring, some prefer to wait until the pollen settles before diving in. A well-executed cleanup sets the stage for all other tasks.

Clearing Winter Debris

Start by removing any remaining debris from winter, such as fallen branches, dead leaves, and other organic matter. This cleanup not only improves the appearance of your yard but also prevents potential pest and disease issues. Removing accumulated debris provides new growth the space and nutrients it needs.

Mulching Garden Beds

Once the cleanup is complete, it’s time to focus on mulching. Before applying mulch, Jenn recommends cutting in your garden beds to create a fresh, sharp line between the mulch and grass. This step enhances the overall appearance of your landscape and helps contain the mulch. A well-defined edge gives your landscape a professional look.

When it comes to mulch selection, you have the following options:

• Bark mulch: A popular choice that provides a dark, attractive appearance.
• Hemlock mulch: Offers a rich, dark color that many homeowners prefer for aesthetic reasons.
• Leaf mulch: Composed of composted leaves, this type adds nutrients to the soil as it breaks down.

Whatever type you choose, apply a 2 to 3-inch layer of mulch around your plants, being careful not to pile it against tree trunks or plant stems. This prevents rot and allows the plants to breathe.

Late Spring Pruning and Plant Care

Late spring is an ideal time for light pruning certain plants that have already flowered. This practice helps maintain plant health and shape while promoting future growth. Proper pruning can also increase air circulation, reducing the risk of disease.

Plants to Prune

Focus your pruning efforts on:

• Azaleas
• Lilacs
• Rhododendrons

These plants benefit from light shaping after their spring blooms have faded. Pruning at this time helps prevent accidental removal of next year’s flower buds. Proper timing is incredibly important for healthy, flower-filled plants next season.

Bulb Plant Maintenance

For spring-flowering bulbs:

• Cut back early spring tulips after they’ve finished blooming.
• Leave daffodils as they are, allowing the foliage to die back naturally.

This approach helps the bulbs store energy for next year’s blooms. Allowing the foliage to wither and die naturally is necessary for the bulbs’ health.

Irrigation System Preparation for Summer

As temperatures rise, proper watering becomes increasingly important. If you have an irrigation system, now is the time to prep it for the summer season. Proper irrigation is key to maintaining lush, green landscapes.

System Check and Maintenance

Follow these steps to prepare your irrigation system:

1. Blow out any debris that may have accumulated in the lines.
2. Inspect all sprinkler heads for damage or misalignment.
3. Test the system to confirm even coverage and proper functioning.

Regular maintenance helps your system function efficiently, and water effectively reaches all areas of your yard.

Adjusting Watering Schedule

As you transition into summer, you must adjust your watering schedule. Consider the following:

• Water in the early morning to reduce evaporation and fungal growth.
• Increase watering duration as temperatures rise.
• Opt for deep, infrequent watering rather than frequent, shallow watering to encourage deep root growth.

Remember, different areas of your yard may have varying water needs. Adjust zones accordingly to prevent over- or under-watering. Proper irrigation practices can significantly impact the health and appearance of your yard.

Lawn Care for Summer

A lush, green lawn is the cornerstone of a beautiful summer yard. Proper care during the spring-to-summer transition sets the stage for a healthy lawn throughout the warmer months. Taking timely steps can prevent stress and damage to your grass.

Fertilization

It’s time to focus on fertilization after applying preemergent herbicides earlier in the spring. Jenn recommends applying:

• Nitrogen: To promote green growth.
• Phosphorus: To help the lawn withstand summer stress.

Choose a slow-release fertilizer for established lawns. This will provide balanced nutrition over time and reduce the risk of burning in the summer heat.

Aeration

Aerating your lawn is a necessary step in summer preparation. It reduces soil compaction, improves air, water, and nutrient penetration, and promotes healthier root growth for a stronger, more vibrant lawn.

You can aerate before or after applying fertilizer, as both approaches are effective. The key is to make sure that nutrients can reach the root zone. Aeration allows the lawn to breathe and absorb what it needs to stay healthy.

Mowing Practices

Adjust your mowing habits as summer approaches. Raising the cutting height slightly will protect grass roots from heat stress. Avoid cutting more than one-third of the blade length at a time, and keep mower blades sharp for clean, quick-healing cuts.

Adjusting your mowing practices according to the season can significantly impact the health of your lawn. Proper mowing techniques keep your lawn strong and resilient.

Installing Summer Annuals

Adding summer annuals to your landscape brings vibrant color and variety to your yard. This is an excellent time to refresh your garden beds and containers with heat-loving plants. Annuals can provide continuous blooms and brighten up any space.

Choosing the Right Plants

Select annuals that thrive in your specific climate and light conditions. Some popular summer annuals include:

• Cosmos
• Marigolds
• Petunias
• Sunflowers
• Zinnias

Choosing the right plants for your environment helps them thrive and provide continuous beauty throughout the summer.

Planting Tips

When installing your summer annuals, make sure you do the following:

1. Prepare the soil by adding compost or other organic matter.
2. Space plants, according to their mature size, to prevent overcrowding.
3. Water thoroughly after planting and mulch around the base to retain moisture.

Space them properly to avoid overcrowding and competition for nutrients.

Importance of Regular Garden Care Through the Summer

Regular garden care is necessary to keep your yard looking its best throughout the summer. Consistent maintenance prevents minor issues from becoming significant problems.

Weekly Tasks

Incorporate these tasks into your weekly routine:

• Deadheading: Removing spent blooms encourages new growth.
• Monitoring: Keep an eye on plant health and address any issues promptly.
• Weeding: Prevents weeds from competing with your plants for nutrients.

Monthly Tasks

Some tasks may only need monthly attention, such as:

• Fertilizing: Regular feeding may be necessary depending on the type of plants.
• Mulch top-up: Add additional mulch to keep moisture in and weeds out.
• Pruning: Continue light pruning and shaping as needed.

By following a consistent care routine, you keep your yard healthy and reduce the need for significant interventions later in the season.

Sustainable Landscaping Practices

Consider implementing sustainable gardening practices to benefit the environment and your yard. Simple changes can significantly impact your ecological footprint.

Water Conservation

Consider using several efficient techniques to reduce water usage in your garden. You can install rain barrels to collect and store rainwater, providing a sustainable water source for irrigation. A drip irrigation system is another effective option, as it delivers water directly to the roots of specific plants, minimizing wastage. 

Opting for drought-resistant plants can significantly reduce water requirements, helping you maintain a thriving garden with less water.

Soil Health

Maintaining healthy soil is important for a thriving garden; several practices can help achieve this. Composting kitchen scraps and garden waste creates nutrient-rich compost that enriches the soil. Rotating planted areas each year prevents soil depletion and helps reduce pests. Additionally, using organic fertilizers and pest control methods minimizes the need for harmful chemicals, promoting a healthier, more sustainable garden environment.

Adopting sustainable practices can enhance your garden’s health while being environmentally friendly.