It’s the middle of summer, and if your landscape is out of control, now is the perfect time to get it back in shape. From overgrown plants to neglected hardscapes, keeping your yard looking its best during the hottest months can be challenging. If you’re finding that your outdoor space needs some TLC, here are some practical steps to help restore order and beauty to your landscape.
1. Assess the Situation
Begin by evaluating your yard to identify problem areas such as overgrown shrubs and trees, patchy or weedy lawns, neglected flower beds, and poor soil conditions. Taking note of these issues will help you create a targeted plan to address each one effectively.
2. Create a Plan
Once you’ve assessed your landscape, develop a detailed plan to tackle the issues you’ve identified. This plan should include decisions about which plants need pruning, removal, or replacement, as well as a schedule for lawn repair, including reseeding, fertilizing, and aeration. Regular maintenance tasks like weeding, mulching, and watering should also be part of your plan.
3. Prune and Trim
Overgrown plants can make your yard look messy and unkempt. Pruning and trimming are essential for maintaining plant health and improving the overall appearance of your landscape. Remove dead or diseased branches, shape shrubs and trees to encourage healthy growth, and cut back excessive growth to prevent crowding and ensure a more orderly look.
4. Weed Control
Weeds can quickly take over a neglected garden, making it look untidy and unkempt. Implement a weed control strategy to keep them in check by manually removing weeds, ensuring you get the roots. Using mulch to suppress weed growth is also effective, and you may consider organic or chemical weed control methods as needed to manage persistent weeds.
5. Lawn Care
A healthy lawn is the foundation of a beautiful landscape. To restore a neglected lawn, start by reseeding bare patches and over-seeding thin areas to promote dense growth. Aerate the soil to alleviate compaction and improve root growth, and fertilize with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to provide essential nutrients. Maintaining a consistent mowing schedule, keeping the grass at the recommended height, is also crucial. Check out our previous blog about Lawn and Landscape Maintenance for a more in depth tips and tricks.
6. Improve Soil Health
Healthy soil is crucial for plant growth, so test your soil to determine its pH and nutrient levels. Based on the results, amend the soil as needed by adding compost or organic matter to improve soil structure and fertility. Ensure proper drainage to prevent water-logging, which can harm plant roots. Watch this video from the USDA to learn more about the importance of soil health.
7. Manage Pests and Diseases
Pests and diseases can wreak havoc on your plants, so stay vigilant and take action to protect your landscape. Inspect plants regularly for signs of pests and disease, and use organic or chemical treatments as needed to control infestations. Encouraging beneficial insects that prey on harmful pests can also help keep your garden healthy.
8. Update Landscape Design
If your landscape design no longer meets your needs or aesthetic preferences, consider making updates. This could involve adding new plants, changing the layout, or incorporating new features such as outdoor lighting or decorative elements. A refreshed design can breathe new life into your outdoor space and improve its functionality. Get inspo from checking out our previous work in our gallery!
9. Repair Hardscapes
Inspect any hardscaping elements like patios, walkways, or retaining walls. Look for signs of wear or damage, such as cracked pavers or shifting stones. Address these issues promptly to avoid further deterioration and ensure your hardscapes continue to complement your landscape. Replacing or repairing damaged sections will help maintain the functionality and aesthetic appeal of your outdoor space.
10. Seek Professional Help
Feeling overwhelmed or unsure where to start? That’s where we come in. Our team of landscaping professionals is here to help you get your outdoor space back in shape. Whether you need assistance with specific tasks or a complete landscape overhaul, we can provide expert advice and hands-on support to restore beauty and order to your yard.