Summer is the perfect time to enjoy your lawn and garden, but it’s also when your lawn is most susceptible to damage. While the air may feel muggy, weeks can go by without a drop of rain. Minnesota’s hot and dry summer months can be tough on your lawn, but with some care and attention, you can keep your grass healthy and green all summer. We’ll share some tips on keeping your lawn healthy in Minnesota’s hot and dry summer months.
Watering
Water your lawn regularly, especially during the hottest months of the year. Water deeply, but don’t overwater because it can lead to fungal growth. It’s best to water your lawn early in the morning or late in the evening when temperatures are more relaxed so that water doesn’t evaporate quickly. If you have sprinklers, ensure they are correctly adjusted to avoid water wastage.
Mowing
Mow your lawn regularly, but avoid cutting the grass too short. Longer grass blades hold more moisture and provide shade for the roots. Grass should be cut often enough so that no more than one-third of the grass blade is removed with each mowing. Cutting more than that can stress the grass and leave it vulnerable to disease. And remember to sharpen your mower’s blades, a dull blade results in ragged cuts, which make the grass less drought-tolerant.
Fertilizing
Fertilize your lawn with nitrogen-rich fertilizer at least twice a year in the summer months to boost root growth and overall health. Be careful not to over-fertilize, as it can burn your lawn. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and avoid fertilizing during periods of high heat.
Good soil preparation
Start with healthy, high-quality soil and prepare your soil properly before planting. Soil with adequate nutrients, organic matter, and the right pH level supports healthy root growth and maximizes the chances of a vibrant lawn. Do a soil test to determine what fertilizers or nutrients your lawn needs to be healthy.
Proper lawn management
In addition to regular watering, mowing, and fertilizing, consider some other lawn management practices, such as aerating your lawn every two to three years. Aeration allows water and air to penetrate the soil and reach the roots, which promotes vigorous growth and resistance against drought and heat. Raking your lawn also helps to remove dead grass and thatch that could prevent moisture from getting to the root zone.
Your lawn can be the most beautiful place in your home, but making it healthy and looking vibrant takes time and dedication- especially during the hot and dry summer months in Minnesota. By following the tips shared in this blog, you can maintain the lush green color of your lawn and make sure it stays healthy and beautiful throughout the summer. Enjoy the sun!
Spring is finally here, and it’s time to start thinking about your seasonal landscaping plans. Whether you’re looking to add some new plants, freshen up the garden beds, or create a new look for your outdoor space, there are plenty of creative landscaping ideas to try this spring. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best ideas to help you create a beautiful and unique landscape you’ll be proud of.
Plant a Butterfly Garden: Butterflies are beautiful and vital pollinators, and planting a butterfly garden is an easy way to attract them to your outdoor space. Choose plants native to your area, such as milkweed, coneflower, and black-eyed Susan, to provide a source of nectar and shelter for butterflies, and watch as they flock to your garden.
Add a Water Feature: There’s nothing more relaxing than running water, and a water feature can create a peaceful and calming atmosphere in your outdoor space. Whether it’s a pond, fountain, or waterfall, a water feature can add a unique element to your landscaping that will help you unwind and enjoy your outdoor space.
Use Natural Materials: Natural materials like stone, wood, and gravel can give your landscaping a rustic and natural look that blends seamlessly with the surrounding environment. Consider using natural materials for walkways, borders, and garden beds; you’ll create an elegant and timeless look.
Create a Vertical Garden: A vertical garden is perfect if you’re short on space or want to add some greenery to a small area. You can create a vertical garden using a trellis, wall-mounted planters, or even a hanging garden, and you can plant various plants to create a beautiful and diverse display.
Install Outdoor Lighting: Outdoor lighting can add a new dimension to your landscaping, highlighting your favorite plants and features and creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere at night. To create a unique and customized look, you can use various lighting options, from string to path lights to uplights.
These are just a few creative landscaping ideas you can try this spring. There are many ways to add beauty and personality to your outdoor space, and by experimenting with different ideas and materials, you can create a unique space. Whether looking for a peaceful, relaxing atmosphere, a vibrant and colorful garden, or a functional and practical space, landscaping ideas suit every taste and style. So get creative, and start transforming your outdoor space today!
Winter can be a challenging season for trees. With the cold temperatures, snow and ice storms, and other harsh weather conditions that winter brings, trees are even more susceptible to damage. Unfortunately, this often leads to expensive repairs or even the removal of the tree altogether. But there are ways to protect your trees during the winter months. Let’s explore what problems trees might experience in winter and how to prevent them.
Cold Weather Damage
The most common problem that trees experience during the winter is cold weather damage. Cold weather can cause various problems for trees, including defoliation, cracking of bark or branches, frost heaving (the lifting of roots due to freezing temperatures), and sunscald (damage caused by rapid changes in temperature). To prevent this type of damage, properly water your trees before the first freeze. This will help keep them hydrated throughout the cold winter months. Additionally, it would help if you covered any exposed roots with mulch or other organic materials to protect them from extreme temperatures.
Winter Storm Damage
Winter storms can cause severe damage to trees due to heavy snowfall and ice accumulation on branches. To prevent storm damage, you should prune any dead or diseased branches in late fall before storms arrive. This will help reduce stress on the weak points of your tree and limit potential breakage in windy or icy conditions. It would be best to wrap trunks with burlap or a tree wrap when severe winds are expected, as this will help shield your tree from wind damage. You should also avoid planting new trees during the winter, as newly planted saplings are more vulnerable to storm damage than mature specimens that have had time to establish their root systems.
Insect Damage
Another issue that can affect your tree’s health is insect infestations which tend to peak during late summer/early fall but may linger into late autumn/winter, depending on local climates. To prevent insect damage, you should inspect your tree regularly for signs of infestations, such as holes in leaves or sawdust at its base; if you spot any signs, then contact an arborist immediately so they can treat the problem before it gets out of hand. Additionally, you should fertilize your soil at least once every year, as this will help ensure that your tree receives all the nutrients it needs throughout its life cycle!
While many problems can arise with wintertime care for trees – from cold weather damage and storm damage to insect infestation – there are steps that homeowners, gardeners, and tree care professionals alike can take to protect their beloved plants from harm this season! With proper preparation like watering before freezing temperatures arrive, pruning weak branches before storms hit, wrapping trunks with burlap in windy conditions, inspecting for pests regularly (and contacting a professional if necessary!), and ensuring proper nutrition through annual fertilization – these simple steps may make all the difference when it comes time for springtime blooms! So don’t forget – protect those precious plants now so they can thrive later!
Winter can be a challenging time for landscapes. Everything is covered in snow, making it hard to make your yard stand out. You don’t have to stop decorating once the holidays are over–we will give you some tips on how to make your landscape look great the rest of this winter!
Incorporate Winter Plants
First, invest in some beautiful winter plants. Winter is an excellent time for evergreens and other seasonal plants. Instead of letting your landscape be covered in snow, why not fill it with colorful foliage that will look beautiful no matter what the weather is like?
Keep Your Lighting Up
Another great tip to keep your landscape looking beautiful this winter is to add some lighting. Winter evenings can be dark and dreary, especially if you live far north. Adding some lights to your yard can help it look bright and vibrant no matter what the weather is. There are a variety of different types of lights that you can use for this purpose, so be sure to explore all of your options!
Spruce Up With Winter Décor
Another great way to make your landscape look beautiful this winter is to add some exciting winter décor. There is a lot of fun, unique accessories that you can use in your yard during the colder months. If you aren’t sure where to start, try browsing some home and garden stores or just looking online for inspiration. You can make your yard look like something out of a magazine with creativity!
As you can see, there are many ways to make your landscape stand out this winter. There are many options to consider, whether it’s adding beautiful plants or adding some fun accessories. So what are you waiting for? Start making your landscape look beautiful today!
Winter is a time for snowmen, hot chocolate, and cozy fires. But it’s also a great time to spruce up your yard! You can create a winter wonderland in your backyard with proper landscaping techniques. This blog post will discuss some tips for designing a beautiful yard this season. So bundle up, and let’s get started!
Utilize Natural Elements
The first step in creating a winter wonderland in your yard is to consider the elements you want to include. For example, snow-covered trees and bushes can create a beautiful backdrop for snowmen or angels. Also, add some festive lighting, such as string lights or candles, which can help set the mood and add some extra warmth.
Consider the Yard’s Layout
Another critical consideration when designing your winter yard is the layout of your space. Ideally, you want to create a configuration that allows snow to quickly build up on your lawn and any pathways while leaving room for snowmen or snow angels. This may mean choosing areas with a gentle slope rather than flat surfaces.
Once you’ve considered these design elements, it’s time to implement your plan! Start by clearing leaves or debris from your yard and trimming overgrown plants and bushes. Then, using snow shovels or snow blowers, carefully sculpt the snow, so it is smooth and even. Finally, don’t forget to enjoy your beautiful winter yard and relish all the fun it brings!
April showers bring May flowers, but unfortunatley, June and July bring the heat. It’s not uncommon to have spells of dry seasons that last weeks in Minnesota. But for many homeowners, their lawns may be suffering. Here are some tips to follow to make sure your lawn stays healthy through the droughts.
Irrigate Your Lawn Regularly
Watering deeply and less frequently encourages deeper roots, which helps the grass withstand dry periods better. Water in the morning to reduce evaporation and keep the foliage from staying wet overnight, which can lead to fungal diseases.
Mow High
Keeping your grass taller shades the roots and helps retain moisture. Cut it no shorter than 2-1/2 inches; 3 inches is even better. And don’t scalp the lawn! Removing more than one-third of the leaf blade stresses the grass and makes it more susceptible to drought, disease, and insect problems.
Use Sharp Blades
A dull blade rips rather than cuts the grass, which creates jagged edges that are more vulnerable to disease. Sharpen or replace the blade every 10 to 12 mowing sessions.
Properly Fertilize
Applying fertilizer before drought sets in helps grass better withstand dry conditions. Be sure to use a fertilizer that contains slow-release nitrogen. And don’t overdo it! Too much fertilizer can make the grass more susceptible to drought stress.
Aerate Your Lawn
Aerating helps improve water and nutrient uptake by grassroots, as well as reduce compaction. Core aeration also reduces thatch buildup. Do it in early fall or late spring, when the grass is actively growing.
Use Mulch Around Trees and Shrubs
Mulching with wood chips or shredded leaves helps conserve moisture and keeps roots cooler in summer. Apply a 2- to 3-inch layer of mulch out to the drip line (the edge of the branches) of trees and shrubs. Keep mulch a few inches away from the trunk to prevent collar rot.
Be Wise with Watering
Don’t let the water run off your lawn; it’s a waste of water and money. Instead, water slowly and deeply so that the roots have time to absorb the moisture. And don’t water in the heat of the day; evaporation will be high and much of the water will simply evaporate.
Have Patience
Lawns will go dormant during periods of drought stress. They may turn brown, but they’ll green up again when conditions improve. Don’t be tempted to overwater in an attempt to keep them green; this will only make things worse in the long run by encouraging shallow roots and making the grass more susceptible to disease.
If you have been noticing that your landscape is not looking as great as it once did, then it may be time to consider repairing it. There are many reasons why you should repair your landscape, and some of those reasons include:
Improving the Curb Appeal of Your Home
One of the main reasons why you should consider repairing your landscape is because it can help to improve the curb appeal of your home. If you have a well-maintained and attractive landscape, then it will make your home look more appealing from the outside, which could potentially increase its value. Homes with lush backyards, that feature many amenities and architecture will have a much higher curb appeal.
Making Your Landscape More Functional
Repairing your landscape can make it more functional. If you have a lot of dead space in your landscape or if there are areas that are difficult to use, then repairing your landscape can help to make those areas more functional and usable. For instance, you might be able to add a garden or transform a dead space into a fire pit or a patio.
Preventing Future Problems
Another reason why you should consider repairing your landscape is that it can help to prevent future problems. The biggest benefit of landscape repair and enhancement is that it helps with drainage and waterproofing. This helps your home’s structural foundation.
Saving Money
Repairing your landscape can save you money in the long run. If you have a landscape that needs repair, then it will likely cost you more money to maintain it over time. However, if you repair your landscape now, then you can avoid having to spend that extra money down the road.
These are just a few of the many reasons why you should consider repairing your landscape. If you have been noticing that your landscape is looking dull and uninspiring, it may be time for a facelift. Consider professional landscape design, repair and enhancement services. By doing so, you can avoid having to deal with future problems, save money, and improve the curb appeal of your home.
As winter calms down, many homeowners are anticipating an exhaustive list of lawn chores for the early spring months. Luckily, there are simple steps you can take to ensure your lawn is ready for the upcoming spring season. And the best part is, it’s very straightforward! Here’s what you should tackle as soon as the snow begins to melt.
Remove Debris
Begin by removing any debris on the lawn. This might include fallen leaves, branches, and other yard waste. Rake up any remaining leaves, twigs, or other yard waste that was leftover from late fall or early winter to prevent them from smothering the grass and promoting weed growth.
Control Potential Weed Growth
Next, apply a pre-emergent weed control product to your lawn. This will help to prevent any pesky weeds from popping up later in the season. Follow the instructions on the product carefully to avoid harming your grass.
Look for Dead Patches
If you notice any dead patches of grass, now is the time to repair them. Use a grass seed mixture that matches your current lawn type to fill in the patches. Be sure to water the repaired areas regularly to help them take root.
Rake One More Time
Give your lawn a good Spring cleaning by raking it one more time. This will help to remove any leftover debris and ensure that your grass is getting plenty of air and sunlight.
Start-Up the Lawnmower
Raise the mower blades to their highest setting and cut the grass nice and short. Doing this will help the grass to stay healthy and strong all season long.
By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your lawn is in great shape for the spring and summer months ahead.
While winter may not be the most beautiful time of year, there are still some things you can do to make your landscape look even better in the colder months. Begin planning your landscaping in summer and fall, and don’t forget to add accents in the fall. The cold season can be challenging for plants, so they’ll need to be pruned and covered with snow. For winter interest, choose plants that provide texture and color. Luckily, there are many options for hardy and low-maintenance trees that can tolerate cold temperatures.
Decide which type of tree will thrive in your landscape in the winter. Evergreen trees, such as birch, are the best choice for the colder months, and a red osier dogwood is a great choice for a damp area. You can also choose ornamental grasses like plume grass to give your landscape some pizazz in the winter. Besides evergreens, many other plants will complement the cold season, such as pines and ash trees.
If you have a lawn and want to add color to your yard, choose brightly colored containers. Plants in containers will add a splash of color to your landscape, and brick walls make a good backdrop for colorful plants. If you’re thinking of adding flowers to your winter landscaping, consider using brightly colored flowers. Holly flowers have bright berries that look great in containers. And while a wood fence makes a great backdrop for flowers, plants will need protection in the colder months.