July Landscaping Tips for a Thriving Summer Yard in Oregon

July is here—time to soak up the summer sun in Oregon! Summer’s the time for long days and heat. It’s also the time when your yard will see its most stress of the year. Managing your yard in July is very important to keep it alive, bright, and strong through the hottest and driest part of summer.

While there are many ways to take care of your yard, you can also plant things that will help your yard not just last, but do well. We will show you ways to do yard work and advice on how to take care of your yard in the summer so it will look and be nice all year long.

1. Prioritize Smart Watering Tips or Practices

When you have to work on your yard in the warm months of Oregon, water is the best helper you will get and it is wise to use it wisely Here is what you should do:

•  Water your yard in the cool hours of the day. Do it in the morning or at night when it is cooler and the sun is not out. This will help the water stay on the plants and not fly away with the wind.
•  Water the yard deeply and less frequently, rather than lightly every day. This helps the roots grow deeper and stronger.
•  Think about using drip water or hoses that let water flow out slowly. These kinds of watering methods will not be a waste and will only go to the right part of your plants.
  
•  Do not forget to look for local rules about the watering schedule for summer. Follow these rules and keep your yard nice at the same time.

2. Keep Lawns Healthy Through the Heat

Summer sun can stress your lawn, but with the right yard care techniques, you can keep it green and resilient through July.

• Change your mower to the optimal lawn mow height of about 3 inches. Taller grass shades the soil and cuts down on drying out while stopping weeds.
• Follow the rules of normal mowing or the best lawn mowing, but do not cut more than one-third of the blade length at a time.
• Use a slow-release, summer safe fertilizer if needed. Do not over-fertilize in high heat.
• Watch for common lawn pests and weeds, and treat problem areas fast to avoid bigger problems down the road.

3. Refresh Summer Color with Heat-Tolerant Plants

Brighten up your garden beds and containers with summer landscaping favorites that thrive in Oregon’s July heat.

Popular heat-loving plants for Oregon yards include:

• Coneflowers (Echinacea)
• Black-eyed Susans (Rudbeckia)
• Zinnias
• Salvia
• Coreopsis
• Sedum

To maximize your summer color:

Add some color with summer container gardens; they are great for patios and entryways. Use a mixture of flowers that can take the heat and plants that can hang over the sides for a layered and lively look.

4. Tackle Mid-Summer Landscape Maintenance

July is a good time to do some work in your yard. You can keep up with your yard work if you do these easy tips:

• Cut back on big bushes and get rid of dead blooms from plants that bloom in the spring to make your yard look nice.
• Remove dead trees, pick up branches and leaves so bugs will not live there to sicken or consume your plants.
• Look at your mulch to make sure the dirt stays cool and wet while stopping weeds from growing.
• Do not forget your outside places — sweep patios and walkways and clean outside chairs so you are ready for back yard time with friends.

5. Prepare for Late-Summer and Fall Planting

Think about your fall thoughts — bulbs, decorative grass, and trees do best when planned now and planted as the air gets a little cold.
Get a design talk this summer, to get ready for fall work and to make things better next year.
Some fixups for the outside like a way to give water, a place to sit, or to plant trees that do not need much water can still be started in July.

The heat of summer does not mean your yard has to suffer. With a little care you can give and a good watering routine for summer and wise plant choices, your outside space can be just as full of life and healthy all season long. Follow these landscaping tips to get the most out of your yard this July.

Need help with your summer landscaping? Contact our team today for expert services, plant advice or a free mid-summer landscape check-up. Let’s help your yard grow through summer and beyond!