Summer Landscaping and Lawn Care

The blistering heat of summer can wreak havoc on lawns and landscaping, especially in sub-tropical Houston. If you’re selling, keep in mind that buyers associate a well-maintained yard with a well-maintained house. Sellers can bump up their curb appeal and make a great first impression by following these tips:

Summer Landscaping Ideas

• Plant drought resistant flowers, like “Buddy” Bachelor Buttons, Lilac Geraniums, or “Fruit Cocktail” Shrimp Plants, that bloom through the summer to early fall and can be planted during the summer.
• Install landscape lighting for extra beauty and dimension at night.
• Add mulch to shallow rooted plants to reduce weeds and conserve water.
• Water early in the morning for best results. Watering overnight can cause fungal growth. Watering during the heat of the day evaporates quickly

Lawn Care

• Mow about once a week, cutting only the top 1/3 of the grass blade. Leaving the grass a bit tall helps the growth thicken by choking out the weeds and promotes water conservation.
• Leave dry clippings on the lawn. They add nitrogen back to the soil.
• Balance and sharpen mower blades regularly throughout the summer.
• Rinse grass clippings from the blades after mowing to avoid potentially transferring fungus throughout the lawn.
• Fill the mower with gasoline in the driveway–spills on the lawn can kill your grass.
• Change your mowing pattern each time you cut the grass to prevent ruts and soil compacting.

Know someone who’s thinking of selling their Houston area home? I can help! Call or text me today at (713) 515-3463 or visit my website at www.TheRhoadesTeam.com.

Photo credit: Brian Boucheron via Flickr