It’s no secret that curb appeal has a big impact on a buyer’s impression of a home. But summer heat and dry conditions can take a toll on the family yard – and the chances of catching a buyer’s eye. Here are some tips to help sellers keep their lawns looking good throughout the summer.

Tips

  • Save water for more delicate plantings. Flowering plants may require a little more water during drier conditions. That’s okay since these plants are vital to our birds, bees, hummingbirds and other pollinators.
  • Avoid over-watering. Too much water is actually bad for grass, in particular. Overwatering causes the grass roots to grow horizontally, rather than vertically. With less water, the grass has to work harder and will grow its roots deeper into the soil in search of moisture. This helps it do a better job of trapping carbon and releasing oxygen.
  • Know when to water. Most lawns require about an inch of water per week to stay healthy. Water deeply early in the day. Moisture can be more efficiently absorbed by the lawn’s root system during the cooler part of the day.
  • Keep grass and shrubs growing. Trim back shrubs when the temperatures aren’t sky high. Set the mower to trim turfgrass a little bit higher. Longer blades give more shade and grass roots extend deeper into the soil. This helps limit weeds and the lawn retains moisture better. Dense turf requires less water, too.
  • Sharpen mower blades. Dull blades can cause grass to fray, and frayed grass is far more likely to brown. A sharp blade is always important, but it’s critical to lawn care during hot summer months.
  • Practice grasscycling. Instead of bagging grass clippings, encourage sellers to use a mulching mower and return grass clippings back to the lawn. This will help trap moisture, keeping the lawn cooler and better hydrated. It also saves some time and energy for busy sellers!

For more tips, go to http://www.livinglandscapesmatter.com/landscapes-home-investment/.

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  • DYK? Too much water is bad for grass. Watering less makes the grass work harder, growing its roots deeper into the soil, which improves its ability to trap carbon and release oxygen. #LivingLandscapes #BeyondBeautiful #BackyardReady
  • #CurbAppeal tip! Most lawns require about an inch of water per week to stay healthy. Water deeply, early in the day for a yard that will catch buyers’ attention. #LivingLandscapes #BeyondBeautiful #BackyardReady
  • #CurbAppeal tip! You should trim shrubs when the temps aren’t sky high. #LivingLandscapes #BackyardReady #CurbAppeal #BeyondBeautiful