Keep Your Lawn Green On Summer's Hottest, Driest Days

The summer of 2012 will be one to remember, not for lots of great weather, but for extremely high temperatures and a lack of rain. With steamy days and the potential for drought, most lawns turn brown and plants wilt and dry out if not properly watered and maintained.

Tommy Wall of Parsippany's offers some advice and suggestions for homeowners to help keep landscaping looking great throughout summer and to prevent costly renovation costs come fall.

Lawn Mowing: The most important step to keep your lawn green lawn and prevent burning is to make sure mower blades are sharpened. Also, cut grass to a minimum 3-4 inches in height. All grass clippings should be recycled back into the lawn: It feeds natural nitrogen into the grass and helps keep soil moist. Avoid mowing on extremely hot days, as the lawn mower may stress grass and leave ugly tracks behind.

Irrigation: Watering your plants during the summer helps significantly if rain is scarce. But don't water your lawn and beds every day. Instead, drench plants and grass with about an inch's worth of water, which helps greenery stay healthier. Early morning is the best time to water your lawn areas, but be sure to obey  to avoid fines and water bill surcharges. The best alternative if you'd rather not set up sprinklers or do it yourself with a hose is to hire a licensed irrigation contractor to install a customized system for your needs.

Xeriscaping: Try xeriscaping, a new form of landscaping that can free you from the need for irrigation. The concept was created for areas where water is scarce but the need for beautiful gardens still exists. Plants and lawn material picked for xeriscaping require minimal amounts of water and thrive even during a drought. This makes it a great alternative if you want a gorgeous landscape.

Hardscapes: Since there may not be much to do around your garden during the summer months, consider non-grass surfaces. A drought offers a great time to install attractive hardscapes around your home. Hardscapes can include patios, walkways, driveways, retaining walls, Belgium block, natural stone walls, natural stone patios, pillars, forms of decking, and any permanent structure you need done at your house.

By following some of these simple landscaping tips, your lawn and garden should thrive throughout the summer and keep your house and property looking great all year.