As each season brings its unique beauty and challenges to your garden, summer is no exception. Just as your yard experiences four seasons of growth and rest, it also requires dedicated care and maintenance throughout the year. Summer, with its long days and intense sunlight, calls for specific tasks to ensure your landscape remains vibrant and healthy. Here, we've compiled a comprehensive checklist to guide you through essential summer landscape maintenance for trees, shrubs,groundcovers, gardens, and hardscape elements.

Summer Trees, Shrubs, and Groundcover Maintenance

1.    Weed Control and Mulching

 
• Weed as needed around trees to prevent competition for nutrients.
 
• Add mulch, maintaining a 1-2 inch layer around tree trunks, but keep it away from direct contact with the trunk to avoid rot.

2.    Insect and Disease Monitoring:

 
• Regularly check trees and shrubs for signs of insect infestations or disease damage. Early detection can save your plants from extensive harm.

3.    Watering New Plantings:

 
• Water new shrubs and trees weekly, ensuring the soil is moist to a depth of 1 foot. Consistent watering helps establish strong root systems.

4.    Trimming and Pruning:

 
• Trim hedges after the first flush of new growth to encourage dense and healthy foliage.
 
• Deadhead faded flowers to promote further blooming.
 
• Prune spring-blooming shrubs, such as lilacs, after their flowers have faded to prepare them for next season's growth.

Summer Garden Maintenance

1.    Bed Maintenance and Harvesting:

 
• Mulch  garden beds as needed to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
 
• Cut flowers and herbs in the morning when they are freshest, and harvest vegetables as needed and fruits when they ripen.

2.    Pruning and Replanting:

 
• Prune fruit-bearing shrubs and replant strawberries after they have fruited to encourage new growth.

3.    Insect and Disease Vigilance:

 
• Stay alert for any signs of insects and diseases, taking action immediately to protect your plants.

4.    Watering and Fertilizing:

 
• Water containers when dry, as they can dry out quickly in the summer heat.
 
• Fertilize flowers and vegetables monthly to provide them with essential nutrients for growth.

5.    Seasonal Preparations:

 
• Deadhead flowers to prepare for fall blooms.
 
• Train vines by tying or light pruning to keep them manageable and healthy.

Summer Hardscape Maintenance

1.    Tool Care:

 
• Clean tools after each use to prevent the spread of disease and keep them in good working condition.

2.    Structural Maintenance:

 
• Clean  and repair cold frames to ensure they are ready for use when the weather cools.
 
• Weed between pavers in pathways and repair any cracks to maintain a neat and safe landscape.
 
• Paint or stain building exteriors as needed to protect them from the elements and keep them looking fresh.

Plan and Partner for Success

Planning is crucial for maintaining a beautiful and functional landscape. By incorporating these tasks into your summer routine, you'll ensure your garden remains a source of pride and enjoyment. And remember, for expert assistance and to make the most of your landscaping efforts, reach out to James River Nurseries. Our team is here to help you with all your landscaping needs, from planning and planting to upgrades and more. Let’s work together to create the garden of your dreams.

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For specific questions or assistance on this subject matter, we recommend reaching out to the Henrico County Extension Office. They are well-equipped to provide you with the specific guidance and resources you may need.

https://henrico.us/extension/

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