The August Home Maintenance Checklist focuses on easy tips to help you maintain your yard so that you can have it looking its best in no time.
The arrival of August brings the last part of summer with hot days, flowers in full bloom as well as the harvest of the season’s fruit and vegetables. Whether you’ve planted a simple flower garden or a large plot of delicious fruit and vegetables, August is the time to enjoy its bounty.
Prune
Clear dead twigs and branches to make room for new growth. Trim perennials that have finished blooming down to four inches in height and divide groups of plants, such as irises, that are overcrowded, and plant the extras elsewhere.
Water Wisely
Prevent mildew by watering during the cool early morning, when roots can absorb water but excess moisture will evaporate as the day warms.
Mowing Tips
Set your lawn mower blade on the highest setting. Taller grass grows deeper roots, provides shade to the soil and prevents weeds from germinating. Don’t worry if parts of your lawn turn brown this time of year – it usually bounces back in a few days with ample water.
Control Weeds
Pull weeds for a few minutes each day to keep them from competing with your plants for water and nutrients. You’ll also avoid having to spend a few hours later removing overgrown weeds.
Prevent Insects
Eliminate standing water that has collected in empty flower pots or other containers as they can be a breeding ground for mosquitos. Wasps become more aggressive in late summer, so if you see a wasp nest, you’ll want to spray it as soon as possible.
Hope you found some helpful tips in the August Home Maintenance Checklist. Don’t forget to take pictures or make notes of plants you like while they are all at the peak of their growth. Then you’ll know what to plant again next year!
Stay cool – enjoy your garden and the simple pleasures of summer this month.
If you need a referral to a good contractor for yard work or lawn maintenance, please contact me!
Source: Long & Foster
