Mid-Year Landscape Checkup:
Is Your Yard Ready for Summer?
As summer settles in, your landscape begins facing some of the toughest conditions of the year. Rising temperatures, dry spells, heavy foot traffic, and rapid plant growth can all take a toll on your yard if it is not properly maintained. That is why mid-year is the perfect time to perform a landscape checkup and make sure everything is healthy, functioning properly, and prepared for the heat ahead. At Brady Nursery, we know that a little preventative care now can help homeowners avoid major issues later in the season. Here are some key areas to inspect as you prepare your landscape for summer.
Check the Health of Your Trees
Trees are one of the most valuable features in any landscape, providing shade, beauty, and long-term value to your property. However, summer heat and strong storms can quickly stress unhealthy or weakened trees. Start your mid-year inspection by looking for obvious signs of damage or stress. Dead branches, thinning leaves, cracked limbs, or unusual discoloration may indicate that your tree is struggling. Trees that experienced winter damage or spring storm stress may only now begin showing signs of decline. Now’s the time to evaluate whether any pruning is needed. Removing damaged or hazardous branches can improve the tree’s structure and reduce the risk of storm damage later in the season.
Pay close attention to young trees, as they are especially vulnerable during hot summer weather. Newly planted trees require additional watering and monitoring during their first few growing seasons. Deep watering is essential because it encourages roots to grow deeper into the soil rather than remaining near the surface. A proper layer of mulch around the base of the tree also helps regulate soil temperature, retain moisture, and reduce weed competition. Be careful not to pile mulch directly against the trunk, as this can trap moisture and create conditions for disease or pests. If you are unsure about the health of a tree, consulting with landscape professionals can help identify issues before they become serious problems.
Evaluate Your Shrubs and Landscape Plants
Shrubs and ornamental plants often experience rapid growth during late spring and early summer. While healthy growth is a good sign, overgrown or stressed shrubs can quickly affect the appearance and health of your landscape. Take time to inspect your shrubs for uneven growth, dead branches, yellowing leaves, or signs of insect activity. Pests tend to become more active during warm weather, and catching infestations early can help prevent widespread damage. Pruning and shaping shrubs mid-season can help improve airflow and encourage healthy growth patterns. However, avoid excessive pruning during periods of extreme heat, as it may place additional stress on the plant.
Summer is also an important time to monitor watering needs. Different plants require different moisture levels, and hot temperatures can dry out soil faster than expected. Container plants, newly installed shrubs, and shallow-rooted varieties may need more frequent watering during extended heat waves. If certain plants struggled earlier in the season, now may be the time to consider replacements better suited to Kansas summers. Drought-tolerant plants and native varieties can help reduce water usage while still creating beautiful landscape displays throughout the season. Refreshing mulch around shrubs and flower beds can also make a significant difference. Mulch helps conserve soil moisture, keeps roots cooler, and gives planting areas a clean, finished appearance.
Inspect Your Irrigation System
Your irrigation system becomes one of the most important tools in your landscape during the summer months. Even small irrigation problems can lead to stressed plants, brown patches, or wasted water if left unnoticed. A mid-year irrigation inspection can help ensure your system is operating efficiently before the hottest part of summer arrives. Start by running each irrigation zone and checking for issues such as clogged sprinkler heads, leaks, broken nozzles, or uneven coverage.
Sprinkler heads that spray sidewalks or driveways instead of lawn areas waste water and increase utility costs. Adjusting coverage zones can improve efficiency and help deliver water where it is needed most. It is also important to pay attention to watering schedules. Overwatering can be just as harmful as underwatering, especially for trees and shrubs. Deep, infrequent watering is generally more effective than shallow daily watering because it encourages deeper root growth and stronger plants. For established lawns and landscapes, an irrigation system shouldn’t be ran more than three times a week. Smart irrigation controllers and rain sensors can further improve water efficiency during summer. These systems automatically adjust watering schedules based on weather conditions, helping homeowners conserve water while maintaining healthy landscapes.
Review Your Hardscape and Outdoor Living Areas
Summer is the season when patios, walkways, retaining walls, and outdoor living spaces are used most. Mid-year is an excellent time to inspect these hardscape features for wear, safety concerns, or maintenance needs.
- Check patios and walkways for cracks, shifting pavers, or uneven surfaces that may create tripping hazards. Fluctuating temperatures and moisture levels can cause settling or movement over time, especially after spring storms.
- Retaining walls should also be inspected for bulging, leaning, or drainage problems. Proper drainage is essential for maintaining the stability and longevity of hardscape structures.
- Outdoor living spaces often benefit from a simple seasonal refresh. Power washing patios, cleaning outdoor furniture, and trimming nearby plants can instantly improve the appearance and functionality of your yard.
- Lighting is another important feature to evaluate during summer. Outdoor lighting enhances safety, highlights landscaping, and extends the usability of outdoor spaces into the evening hours. Replace burnt-out bulbs and ensure fixtures are functioning properly.
Prepare Your Landscape for the Rest of Summer
A mid-year landscape checkup is one of the best ways to protect your yard from the stress of summer weather. Taking time now to evaluate trees, shrubs, irrigation systems, and hardscape can help prevent costly repairs and keep your landscape looking its best all season long. At Brady Nursery, we are passionate about helping homeowners create healthy, beautiful outdoor spaces that thrive through every season. Whether you need new plants, expert advice, or landscape inspiration, our team is here to help you prepare your yard for a successful summer.