Homeowners who invest in residential landscaping must know how to take care of their plants, grasses, and trees. With a little research, you can develop a green thumb to keep your yard looking great. Here are five pieces of advice to get started.

How to Maintain Plant Health This Summer

1. Water Early or Late 

If you water during the late morning or afternoon, the droplets will likely evaporate because of the intense sunlight. Instead, water during the early morning or after dusk to ensure the plants gain the full benefits of the water.

2. Make Room Around the AC

Many homes feature outdoor air conditioning units that give off hot air and suck in outdoor air. Leave a few feet between your unit and landscaping to safeguard the appliance from sucking in parts of your plants and flowers. Install a short fence around the unit to keep dogs from using the bathroom on the sides of the system, which discourages plants from growing into the appliance’s area.

3. Fertilize

Plants do most of their growing during the hot summer months, but the intense heat can dry out their water supply quickly, meaning your plants will also need to rely on nutrients to sustain their health. Make sure your flora and greenery have ample sustenance by providing fertilizer. Regularly apply mixes with nutrients like phosphorous, nitrogen, and potassium to encourage healthy leaves and flowers. 

4. Install Mulch

Organic mulch made from grass clippings, straw, and tree bark can prevent weed growth, which suffocates plant roots, by limiting sunlight that penetrates the soil. These materials will also absorb water, keeping the area around the plants moist even during the hottest parts of the day. Mulch also adds curb appeal to your residential landscaping by unifying each section of your plants. 

5. Prune

Trees can quickly grow extensive foliage during the summer, and their thick leaves may shade the plants and grass below. Hire an arborist or landscaping team to prune the tree and promote UV light penetration to encourage the growth of your plants’ or garden’s health during the hotter months.

 

Homeowners interested in professional residential landscaping should contact Emerald Coast Landscaping in Baldwin County, AL, to start designing today. The full-service team offers year-round service, including retaining wall construction, debris removal, and lawn maintenance. Call this landscaping company at (251) 269-8128 or visit the website for information on how they follow your budget to provide affordable lawn and plant care.