Take a look at our essential July landscaping checklist.
Each month brings a different set of challenges for landscapes, and with the intense heat, fungal infections, and annoying insects, the summer months can be damaging to your lawn and plants. Continue reading for our essential July landscaping checklist to ensure your landscape remains healthy even during the hot and humid Maryland summer!
Pest Prevention
July is the height of summer, and the exceptionally humid weather increases insect and disease populations in the area. It’s crucial to be especially diligent with your pest prevention methods in July to keep your landscape healthy. Check your plants and grass for signs of insect infestation or disease often, and if you do spot a problem, quickly identify the pest responsible. Research the best method for killing the insect – pesticides are usually specific to certain species, so it’s essential to read each label closely. Since the sun is so strong during the afternoon, wait until late evening to treat your lawn and landscape.
Don’t Overwater
You may think that your landscape needs more water during the hot summer months, but it’s easy to get out of hand and overwater the grass, especially during a rainy month. If you have an irrigation system, a rain sensor is very helpful for recognizing the amount of rainwater your yard is getting to avoid overwatering. If you don’t have an irrigation system, think about how much water your lawn is losing to evaporation and water about twice a week if it doesn’t rain. When you do water, water deeply so the entire root zone is moist.
Poison Ivy
Beware of poison ivy in your lawn and landscape this summer! The poisonous plant may pop up unexpectantly in your garden or near your property this July, so it’s crucial to know how to identify it in order to avoid it. The key feature of poison ivy is pointed leaves that grow in groups of three. If you see the plant in your landscape, use disposable gloves to avoid any contact and remove it with yard tools.
Fertilize
Herb and vegetable plants in your garden should get a complete fertilizer containing the three major nutrients, Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium about once a month during the summer to keep them healthy and strong. An important tip to keep in mind is to fertilize after a rainstorm rather than on dry soil and to water your plants deeply after each application.
Scientific Plant Service Is Your Go-To Source In Landscape Healthcare
Scientific Plant Service, located in Baltimore, is a privately-owned corporation, chartered in Maryland in 1957 by Frank J. Burke. We started as a full-service Arborist specializing in the care of shade trees and ornamental shrubs, but today we are a lawn and total landscape care company that is a huge part of the community. From aquatic environments and snow management to deer and mole control, SPS has services tailored specifically for your lawn and landscape.
We offer services in Maryland, Washington DC, and Virginia, including Harford, Baltimore, Carroll, Frederick, Howard, Anne Arundel, Montgomery, Prince Georges, Talbot, Queen Anne’s, and Calvert counties in MD, as well as Loudoun County, Fairfax County, Arlington, Alexandria, and Falls Church in VA. For more information, contact us online, or call us at 410-321-0970. Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Pinterest!