With relentless heat, weeks without rain, and pesky bugs, keeping your yard thriving all summer can be a challenge. Summer can be a brutal season for Texas homeowners who want their yard to be beautiful and healthy. With the right strategies in place, your yard can do more than simply survive the season; it can thrive all summer. Below are some essential landscaping tips to help your yard flourish all summer long.  

Water Wisely

If you have a traditional lawn, it’s important to keep your grass properly watered. Consider watering your yard early in the day, before 9 am, or late in the evening, after 6 pm, instead of in the heat of the day to avoid evaporation. It’s better to deeply water your grass at the root growth level once or twice a week than to more frequently water the top layer of your lawn. Incorporate an irrigation system designed with this watering method in mind to maximize your water use.  

Choose Drought-Tolerant Plants

Drought-resistant plants and xeriscaping are increasingly popular options for Texas homeowners living in areas subject to drought who want to reduce their water use. Plants that are native to Texas and are adapted to the local climate include Texas Lantana, Black-eyed Susan, Autumn Sage, and Texas Rock Rose.  

Add Shade Strategically

When choosing native plants for your home’s landscaping, also consider using trees to add shade to your lawn to block direct sunlight. Not only will this help ensure your backyard is more usable in the heat of summer, but it also protects the health of your grass.  

Mulch Matters 

Strategically applying mulch to your landscaping is an overlooked way to keep your backyard nourished this summer. Apply a 2 to 3 inch layer of shredded bark, wood chips, or compost around garden beds and trees to retain soil moisture, suppress the growth of weeds, and regulate the temperature of the soil.   

Mindful Mowing

When you mow your lawn, set your blades higher to promote deeper root systems and keep your blades sharp to help your lawn retain water. You can also leave grass clippings on the lawn to help add nutrients back into the soil.  

Fertilize with Care 

One of the most crucial mistakes well-intentioned homeowners make is to over-fertilize their lawn. Use a slow-release fertilizer early in the summer to feed your landscaping gradually. 

Watch for Pests  

Are you noticing bald spots, holes, wilting, discoloration, or signs of trouble in your lawn? These issues may be caused by seasonal pests or disease. Acting early can help minimize the damage. If you’re unsure of the root cause of the problem, you can have the Grassroots team assess the situation and recommend a strategic solution. 

Install Synthetic Turf

Do you want to have a thriving green backyard year-round without the hassle of constant upkeep? Synthetic turf might be the best solution for homeowners looking to find a low-maintenance solution that saves water and spruces up their outdoor living area.  

Keep Your Lawn Looking Its Best With Grassroots 

Grassroots is proud of our reputation for providing high-quality care and detail-oriented service to homeowners across the Brazos Valley area for over 15 years. Our team can help you assess your current backyard and make personalized recommendations to keep your outdoor space thriving year-round. Get a quote today from the landscaping professionals who care.