Yard Maintenance for the Summertime

I don't mind yard maintenance that much in the spring and fall. That's partly due to the moderate temperatures here in New England during those seasons. There's a psychological justification, as well. I gladly undertake all that fertilizing and pruning in spring, because it feels so good to be around plants outdoors again after the long winter. In fall, meanwhile, I remind myself that raking leaves beats shoveling snow any day!

When summertime rolls around, though, I really don't wish to be bothered with yard maintenance. By that time it's hot outside, the bugs swarm around my head, and I want to spend my time out in the yard enjoying it, not maintaining it. Although plants are almost always on my mind, I must admit that there are even days in the summertime when I'm more interested in beaches than in beech trees.

If you're anything like me, then you'll want to consult this checklist of tips designed to make your summertime yard maintenance more efficient, allowing you more time to kick back and enjoy the summer. Safety concerns and pest control have a prominent place in the list, as you'll need to combat storms, insects and rodents all summer. You'll also have to combat the heat, meaning drought-resistant plants are one of your best allies. But perhaps the most time-consuming task of summertime yard maintenance is mowing the lawn, which is why I'm an advocate for smaller lawns.

Related resource: Backyard Fun

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