Ahhh, summer is here.  It’s time to kick-back and relax in the backyard.

Unfortunately this is also when a lot of “unwanted guests” show up as well:  bugs, mosquitos and weeds.  By taking proper care of your lawn, however, you can get the most of it, and get the most out of your summer.

So keep your lawn lush, green and bug free this summer by practicing proper lawn care with these helpful tips.  And remember, for the bast lawn care, look into hiring a professional company which will allow you even more time in the hammock with a cold drink in your hand!

The Tips:

• Water your lawn. Well, of course right?  But there is an art to it.  Be sure to practice proper watering and water conservation techniques.  The early morning hours are the best time to water your lawn because the air is cooler.  In the middle of the day water evaporates too quickly and doing it at night is even worse.  Water can cling to blades of grass overnight and as it sits there it promotes fungus and lawn disease over time.
• Water long enough to moisten the soil about 6 inches down but don’t water more than that. The first time you water this summer check the soil every 15 minutes to see how moist it is.  When the water reaches six inches in depth then record the time and how long it took and us that as your baseline result going forward.
• Check your lawn for any signs of discoloration or poor texture. Browner, more brittle grass can be signs of damage.
• Hire (or DIY it) a professional pest-control service to spray around the foundation of your home to help keep the bugs on the outside. You can also reduce bugs’ presence by properly treating your lawn.
• Make sure to poor out any standing water as it collects to prevent mosquitos from breeding
• While your lawn is normally the focus point of the yard, make sure not to forget about trees, shrubs and other outdoor plants. Mulch beds are important too.  Keeping your yards properly maintained will increase your home’s value and appeal as well.

When you are the one working outdoors on these projects make sure you stay hydrated with water.  Working in the summer heat it can be tempting to wear shorts and flip flops, but it’s important to wear long pants and closed toe shoes for safety purposes.

And if working out in the elements doesn’t appeal to you consider hiring a professional.  They will make sure everything you need gets done and they might even find things you overlooked!

**Ryan Wheeler is an expert real estate agent and military veteran serving buyers and sellers of homes in the Shreveport Bossier City area.  Find me on Facebook and also Connect With Me Here!