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FIVE SUMMER LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE TIPS
Engage Team • September 2, 2017
FIVE SUMMER LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE TIPS
One of the most important parts of any property is the landscaping. Making up a large part of a home’s curb appeal, landscaping also accounts for approximately 20% of a home’s value. Therefore, it’s important to make sure that your landscaping is well-maintained year-round to maximize your home’s potential.
Summer is the ideal time to do the bulk of your landscaping work, with the warmer temperatures and longer days meaning you can get more work done outdoors. Use these five tips to help make the most of your landscaping maintenance.
Prune
Late July is one of the most recommended times of year to do the pruning in your yard. Bushes, plants, and trees have a tendency to become overgrown, shaggy, and disheveled if left alone for too long. And some flowering shrubs and trees may not bloom each year if they aren’t cut back regularly.
Begin by removing any dead limbs, branches, and sections from existing plants and trees. Then gently cut back those shrubs or plants that have begun to spread too far. Pay close attention to any plants that may be blocking the windows of your home from getting light, and also be sure to cut back any climbing vines that are encroaching on your gutters or siding.
Irrigate and Fertilize
To keep your landscaping looking lush and healthy, it’s important to ensure that the plants are getting proper nourishment. If it’s been a dry summer, take the time to irrigate and water regularly in the evenings when the sun is lower in the sky.
At least once monthly – or more for fast growing plants – add some fertilizer to the base of well-watered plants and rake it evenly into the soil. If you aren’t sure of what type of soil you have, consider having it tested to find what nutrients it lacks so you can best support your plants and keep them healthy.
Update Your Driveway
You may not realize it, but your driveway is a big part of your property’s landscaping. If it’s full of cracks, overgrown with weeds, or just hasn’t been treated well it can lower your curb appeal.
Start by making sure that any potholes and cracks are filled. If you have pavers, make sure there’s sufficient sand between them to prevent weed growth.
Next, turn your attention to the borders of your driveway. Even unattractive paving or gravel drives can be dressed up with proper landscaping. Consider edging your driveway with appropriate plants to direct cars to the house, or invest in lighting if your driveway is long enough to need additional illumination than what the house contributes.
Look for bushes or shrubs that have some bold summer colors to really dress up your driveway during the hottest months of the year. Just make sure that the plants retain their leaves or shape during the winter months as well to get the most benefits from this improvement.
Create a Walkway
A WELL-LANDSCAPED
walkway leading to your home or through your garden is an invitation for guests to enjoy your home and property more. Just like with your driveway, consider edging and defining walkways and paths, either with pavers or with plants to give more character to the area.
Summer is a great time to plant some annuals to create a landscape walkway through your yard down to a patio or POOL DECK. Or, consider making a more permanent walkway through your yard with pavers lined with flowering bushes on either side.
Take the time to think about the areas of the yard you use most frequently, then work on defining the way that you approach them, whether from the driveway to the door, or your patio to a gazebo. The result is a more interactive yard that everyone can enjoy.
Update Your Pool Deck
Pools are a great addition to a yard during the summer months. Many inground pools, however, have very plain concrete decks that were built at the time the pool liner was sunk, particularly if the pool is concrete as well.
Concrete may be durable, but it offers little to your home in terms of style. So, consider replacing your deck with natural stone pavers to add color, texture, and interest to the area. Or, if stone doesn’t appeal, consider stamped concrete pavers. Stamped concrete is just as durable as a slab, but comes in a wider range of colors and styles that you can use to give your landscaping a boost.
Maintain Your Landscaping this Summer
The hot summer months can be punishing to your landscaping, but they’re also the time of year when you’re most likely to get out and enjoy it. Take the time to maintain and update your yard and surrounding area each summer to maintain your curb appeal and property values, while improving your landscape and enjoyment of your home at the same time.
Our very own John Beaudry has just been featured in the news and the focal point was his very own Garden Sanctuary! We were very excited when we got the call saying that they had heard great things about John; from creating garden sanctuaries for others, to writing his own how-to book for those who want to build their very own nature space. After that the ball just kept on rolling. Their news crew came by and were able to really take in what John is all about, his life long dream of connecting people to nature in their own backyards. And now thanks to John, his dream, and the great team we have here at John Beaudry Landscape Design, we are able to do so. While also taking in our customers wants and needs, and what they envision in their Garden Sanctuary. If you're thinking this all sounds really great, then come on down to our Garden Party next month, July 20th. We will be showing John's garden, discussung his book, and letting others see how amazing one dream can turn out. If you are inspired to create your own, we can even answer any questions you may have! For further information regarding our Garden Party, or if you just want to call and chat about our fees and services, go ahead and give us a call at our office during business hours at 619.929.9140 and we'd love to discuss further!
In this beautiful city of San Diego, we like to maintain our garden's with as little amount of water possible. Maybe you've been thinking about using less water in your garden but don't know where to start nor look. Here a few easy steps that can help! Check your water pressure. If your water pressure is too high, it is very likely you’re using more water than necessary. Inspect your irrigation. Check, adjust, or replace any sprinkler heads that are damaged or leaking. Hydrozone properly. Water your trees less frequently but for longer periods than shrubs and perennials. Water at Sunrise or Sunset. Soil absorbs the most water during lower temps. Replenish your mulch. Maintaining a 3-layer of mulch can protect your soil from direct sunlight, allowing the soil to absorb more water. These are a just a few of many steps to begin creating a water-wise and beautiful, blooming garden! Call us at (619) 929-9140 so we can get started on creating your own sanctuary, low-water garden!
Want to create a beautiful garden that is also water efficient? THE INSTITUTIONAL TURF REPLACEMENT PROGRAM might be for you! The Institutional Turf Replacement Program is a multi-agency collaboration between the Department of Water Resources, the California Conservation Corps, the Habitat Corridor Project, and the Local Government Commission. Their goal is to "replace more than 165,000 square feet of turf with California native and water-efficient landscaping, provide long-term water savings and education, and benefit the public." All you need for this amazing program is the design. Which we can provide! This program will fund your project for up to $20,000 to qualifying applicants. Download the APPLICATION now! Once you're done applying give us a call at (619) 929-9140 so we can began creating your new water efficient and beautiful garden that you've been dreaming of!
CALL US:
619-929-9140
VISIT US:
9405 Hilmer Drive, La Mesa, CA 91940
EMAIL US:
john@beaudrydesign.com