In Georgia, July is a crucial month for landscaping, especially due to the heat, humidity, and rapid summer growth. Here’s a breakdown of essential landscaping to-dos for both maintenance and improvements:
Lawn Care
Mow Smart
- Keep your grass slightly taller (around 3-4 inches for most warm-season grasses like Bermuda or Zoysia) to shade roots and retain moisture.
- Sharpen mower blades to avoid tearing grass blades.
Water Deeply and Early
- Water early in the morning (before 9 a.m.) to reduce evaporation and disease risk.
- Aim for 1–1.5 inches of water per week, including rainfall.
Watch for Lawn Pests
- Grubs, chinch bugs, and armyworms can be active now. Look for irregular brown patches or turf that lifts like a carpet.
Garden Beds & Flowers
Deadhead Spent Blooms
- Removing faded flowers from annuals and perennials (like Black-eyed Susans and Coneflowers) encourages continuous blooming.
Mulch & Weed
- Refresh mulch to 2–3 inches to help retain moisture and keep weeds down.
- Pull weeds regularly before they go to seed.
Fertilize Summer Bloomers
- Apply slow-release fertilizer to support blooming shrubs and flowers such as crape myrtles, roses, and hibiscus.
Trees & Shrubs
Prune Lightly
- Only prune to remove dead/diseased branches or control shape. Avoid heavy pruning this time of year (especially for spring bloomers).
- For hedges, a light trimming keeps things tidy.
Water Deeply
- Young trees and shrubs need extra attention. Soak root zones once or twice a week rather than frequent light watering.
Vegetable Gardens
Harvest Often
- Pick ripe veggies promptly—especially tomatoes, okra, peppers, and cucumbers—to encourage continued production.
Succession Plant
- You can still plant heat-lovers like southern peas, squash, and okra.
- Start planning your fall garden (collards, carrots, beets) for planting in late July/August.
Pest & Disease Monitoring
Inspect Regularly
- Fungal issues thrive in humid heat. Look for signs of powdery mildew or leaf spot and use organic treatments early.
- Keep an eye out for Japanese beetles and bagworms.
Other Smart Tips
Install or Check Irrigation
- Consider drip irrigation for beds and gardens.
- Inspect sprinkler systems for leaks or misaligned heads.
Shade Strategies
- Consider using shade cloth for delicate vegetables or young transplants.
- Planting taller crops on the west side of gardens can protect more vulnerable plants.
If you need any more tips or help with maintenance, please reach out, and our Team can assist.