Prepping Your Landscaping for Summer in Colorado: Tips from XERIC Landscapes
As the snow melts away and the warmer days of summer begin to approach, it’s the perfect time to start thinking about how to prepare your landscaping for the season ahead. In Colorado, the weather can be unpredictable, but with a little planning, you can ensure your outdoor spaces look their best all summer long. At Parr’s Landscapes, we specialize in helping homeowners prepare their landscapes for the hot, dry summers that are characteristic of Colorado.
Here are some expert tips to help you prep your landscaping for a beautiful, thriving summer season.
1. Clean Up Winter Debris
The first step in prepping your landscaping for summer is to clean up any debris left over from winter. This includes fallen branches, leaves, and dead plant matter. Not only will this make your yard look tidier, but it also helps prevent disease and pests that can thrive in leftover debris. Take some time to clear out the flower beds, around trees, and under shrubs, making space for new growth to come through.
2. Check Your Irrigation System
Colorado’s dry summer heat can be tough on your landscape, and a functional irrigation system is critical for maintaining healthy plants and lawns. Be sure to inspect your sprinklers and irrigation systems before the heat of summer hits. Look for broken sprinkler heads, clogged lines, or any leaks in your system. Adjust your system’s schedule to match the needs of your lawn and plants, ensuring they get enough water to thrive without overwatering.
3. Aerate Your Lawn
If your lawn is compacted from foot traffic, heavy snow, or the harsh winter elements, aeration is key to getting it ready for summer. Aerating your lawn involves making small holes in the soil to allow air, water, and nutrients to reach the roots more effectively. This helps encourage healthy growth and ensures your lawn gets the water and nutrients it needs to survive the hot summer months.
4. Fertilize and Add Mulch
After a long winter, your plants and lawn can benefit from some added nutrients. Fertilizing in the spring will provide a strong foundation for healthy growth during the summer. Be sure to choose a fertilizer that is appropriate for Colorado’s soil and climate. Additionally, adding mulch to flower beds and around trees can help retain moisture and keep the soil temperature regulated during the summer heat.
5. Prune and Trim Plants
To promote healthy growth, take the time to prune and trim trees, shrubs, and other plants. Removing dead or overgrown branches not only makes your landscape look better, but it also helps improve airflow and sunlight penetration, which can reduce the risk of disease. Focus on any plants that might have been damaged during the winter and cut back anything that has outgrown its space.
6. Plant Summer-Favorite Flowers and Shrubs
Colorado’s growing season may be short, but the right plants can help keep your yard looking vibrant all summer long. Consider planting drought-resistant flowers, shrubs, and trees that thrive in the Colorado climate. Native plants are always a great choice, as they are well-adapted to the region’s soil and weather conditions. Some popular options include Colorado blue spruce, aspen trees, and flowers like lavender, coneflowers, and blanket flowers.
7. Plan for Water Conservation
Water conservation is important in Colorado, especially during the summer months when water usage tends to spike. Consider replacing water-intensive plants with drought-resistant alternatives, and use landscaping techniques like xeriscaping to reduce the need for irrigation. Installing rain barrels to capture runoff or using drip irrigation systems can also help minimize water waste and keep your landscaping healthy without excessive watering.
8. Prepare for Pests and Weeds
With the warmer temperatures comes an increase in pests and weeds, so it's essential to stay ahead of these common summer challenges. Keep an eye out for common Colorado pests like aphids, spider mites, and Japanese beetles, and take proactive steps to manage them. Weeds can also be a problem during the summer, so make sure to regularly check flower beds and lawn areas to keep them under control.
9. Update Your Outdoor Living Spaces
Summer is the time to enjoy your outdoor spaces, so why not take the opportunity to update your patio, garden, or backyard area? Whether you’re adding a new seating area, a fire pit, or a beautiful water feature, Parr’s Landscapes can help transform your outdoor spaces into the perfect setting for summer entertaining. A well-designed outdoor living space can enhance the beauty and functionality of your landscape and make your yard a place where you want to spend time all season long.
10. Consider Professional Landscaping Services
If preparing your landscape for summer feels like a daunting task, don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional landscaping company like Parr’s Landscapes. We specialize in everything from lawn care and irrigation systems to landscape design and maintenance. Our experienced team can help you create a beautiful, healthy, and low-maintenance outdoor space that will thrive throughout the summer months.
Getting your landscape ready for summer in Colorado requires a little effort, but the results are worth it. By taking the time to clean up, aerate, prune, and properly care for your plants and lawn, you can enjoy a lush, vibrant landscape all summer long. If you need help or want to make sure everything is in tip-top shape for the season, contact Parr’s Landscapes for professional landscaping services.
We’re here to help you make the most of your outdoor space this summer!
