The heat is still on high, but cooler days are just around the corner.
August is a turning point in the garden — the plants you have are settling in for the second half of the season, and the choices you make now set up how your landscape looks come fall and how it survives the winter ahead.
Here’s what’s happening in your garden this month, and where our team can help.
Not sure what your garden needs before fall? Give us a call or request a consultation and we’ll walk your property with you.
Watering & Plant Health
Continue watering, especially new plants, until the ground freezes, typically in late November. A good guideline is about one inch of rain per week. When rain is not in the forecast, supplemental water is necessary. The best time to water is early in the morning and deep at ground level.
Before the cold temperatures move in, evergreen appreciate a good soak. These plants continue to lose moisture through transpiration even in cold weather. Adequate hydration helps them withstand freezing temperatures, dry winds, and bright sunlight reducing the risk of winter damage and browning.
Deadheading (trimming off spent blooms) at this time of year keep many perennials blooming a little longer. Plants like Coneflowers, Black-eyed Susans and Daylilies can benefit from deadheading.
Fertilization of shrubs and perennials should stop now. Fertilization encourages new growth and this new growth isn’t strong enough to make it through the winter. Pruning should also stop now for the same reason.
Getting the timing and technique right makes a real difference in how your plants withstand the winter. Our maintenance visits are built around exactly this kind of seasonal care.
Planting & Design
Late summer through October is one of the best windows to add new plants — established beds make it easy to see exactly where a landscape could use more color, texture, or structure.
Spring-blooming perennials like peonies, irises, creeping phlox, and bleeding hearts can be divided now to multiply your plantings and keep them healthy.
This is also the season to freshen up containers with cool-season color and start thinking ahead to spring bulbs.
Mulching
A fresh layer of mulch now helps beds hold moisture and regulate soil temperature as the season shifts — one of the simplest ways to protect your investment in the landscape.
Lawn Care
- Mid-to-late August is prime time to address bare or thinning spots.
- Overseeding and sod installation both do best as the days start to cool.
- If grubs have been a problem, now is the time to deal with them.
- Hold off on fertilizer until temps cool down in September or later in the fall.
What does Distinct Outdoor Living’s Full-Service Maintenance provide?
Let’s Get Your Garden Ready for Fall
August is a small window with a lot riding on it — watering, planting, dividing, mulching, and lawn repair all come together in the next few weeks. Our team can take the guesswork out of it and make sure everything is done at the right time, the right way.