How to Transition Your Landscape from Spring to Summer

Spring and summer are very different seasons and your landscape care needs to be tailored for each.

This last week is a good reminder of how quickly things can change. A month ago everyone was grumbling about the cold and wet. This last week had near record breaking heat and one of the windiest days in memory on Monday, May 17. Both the wind and the heat are very desiccating to your grass and plant material and you need to set your irrigation system accordingly.

Make sure that your kentucky bluegrass is being watered three times a week now that our rain support has lessened. For new plant material installed in the last two years we recommend a three time per week summer watering frequency with your plant zone. If you have a true drip line, increase it to a 45 minute run time.

If we have particularly brutal transition days like this last week with the wind and heat, you can always run your irrigation system manually to ease your plant material into the new season. Buying a mist attachment for your hose is an excellent way to increase the humidity around your tree, shrub and perennial leaves. Make sure and mist your leaves when the sun is setting. NEVER water your leaves in full sun or the ultra violet rays of the sun can burn them.

If you see a bluish cast on your lawn, give it extra water until it turns green again. Then slowly train your grass roots to be more drought resistant by watering deeply each time you run your grass zones until excessive runoff begins. Revive® is an excellent wetting agent that can benefit your grass as well at this time of year.

With a little extra attention to the weather you can make sure your landscape is ready for this summer. Let's hope for some extra rain support, less wind and no hail!