Bert Swope
Late summer is a great time to landscape your property, whether you’re planting a new flowerbed, tree, or bushes. Whether you want your yard to be more appealing, or to add more color, there are many ways to make your late summer landscaping projects successful. In this article, we’ll discuss shade trees, overhangs, and perennials.
Shade trees
Large deciduous shade trees can keep your home cooler in the summer and outdoor areas cool in the fall. They also add a lot of beauty to your landscape, including colorful fall foliage and interesting bark. There are more than 60 species of oaks native to the U.S., including the live oak, burr oak, pin oak, and sawtooth oak. The latter are excellent for landscapes that require a bit of protection from winter temperatures.
One of the advantages of shade trees is that they can help reduce pavement buckling. This is because the branches are more resistant to break under stress. A shade tree can also help keep your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, allowing you to save on your energy bills. Plus, a mature shade tree can increase your property value by up to 20 percent.
If you’re looking for a fast-growing shade tree, consider planting an American hornbeam. These deciduous trees grow 60 to 75 feet tall and have a beautiful canopy. Their leaves turn yellow or red in the fall and last through the winter. Silver maples also offer a beautiful shady retreat in your backyard. Their silver undersides and large trunk make them perfect shade trees.
If you’re planning to plant shade trees for late summer landscaping, don’t forget to consider their height. Deciduous trees may have low hanging branches and may not allow full shade plants to get enough sunlight. They should be pruned to reduce their height and create a clear view outside the house.
Overhangs
Aside from providing shade, overhangs can also help prevent overwatering by blocking rain. However, the plants you plant under them must be shade-tolerant. If they are not, they can get sunburned, die, or suffer from fungal infections. Soil should be visible between shrubs when they are fully grown.
Overhead shade
If you’re deciding on a new landscape design, consider how to create more overhead shade. By strategically placing trees and plants, you can create a shady area that blocks the sun. You can also install decorative structures that will create shade. Adding more shade to your yard will save you money on energy costs.
When it comes to choosing colors, choose lighter colors. Colors such as white and pastels can make a garden look sparkling and vibrant. Avoid purples and deeper blues because they tend to recede. Also, choose foliage with a lighter tone or variegated or silvery leaves. Light colors also reflect light and bring brightness to the space.
Adding tall trees to the landscape is a great way to provide a shaded area. Not only will they create a cool canopy, but they will also protect the yard from wind and hot summer sun. Adding a tall tree to your landscape will enhance the appeal of your property and create a place where your flowers and plants can grow freely. Be sure to research the various types of trees and shrubs before deciding on the right ones for your yard.
A shade garden can be a relaxing and calming place to spend time outdoors. You can add patio furniture to make the space more functional, such as a small accent table. You can also add container plants that will survive in shaded conditions and can be moved around when the season changes. These accessories can be inexpensive and add character to your shade garden.
Another way to create shade is to place a trellis shelter in the garden. Using a trellis shelter allows you to enjoy the garden while relaxing. You can even buy a canvas roof liner for extra protection. The sides can also be covered with colorful fabric. A summer house is a quintessential English summer structure. It can provide the perfect spot to share a sundown G&T with friends.
Perennials
Perennials are great for late summer landscaping, but be sure to wait until the soil is ready to be worked. In general, you should start by working compost into the soil 4 to 8 inches deep. This will help protect the roots from the hot summer sun and improve drainage. It also provides a nutritious treat for the plants. After you’ve worked compost into the soil, you should wait two weeks before planting your perennials.
After planting, you should water your perennials frequently to encourage them to grow. Make sure they get a good soak at least once a day and water them a few times a week once they’ve gotten established. If you’re having trouble figuring out how much water to give them, you can refer to your local cooperative extension office or university’s online plant handbooks.
Planting colorful perennials can liven up your landscape and add beauty and color. Try different varieties and experiment with their bloom times. Just make sure to mulch the soil several times before winter so they don’t freeze and shrivel up. In addition, consider planting perennials from seed. This will ensure that the roots don’t freeze before the spring.
Perennials are also great plants for late summer landscaping. Choose varieties that bloom late and have different color schemes. Perennials with the same color foliage can be dull, but plant contrasting colors for instant pops of color. Perennials that bloom late will give you a beautiful garden until the first frost. If you live in a cold climate, consider planting a bird bath in your garden to attract birds and other wildlife. This will not only encourage visitors, but will be a focal point for your landscape.
Perennials are the backbone of any healthy yard. They require less water than annuals and are eco-friendly. Perennials can also be low maintenance because their roots grow deep. This allows them to utilize the ground water if there is a drought.
Mulch
Mulch is a great way to maintain the appearance of your yard in late summer. It can prevent weeds from emerging in your flower beds by blocking sunlight and making it difficult for them to penetrate. Mulch can be used anytime of the year. It can be applied in flower beds during the early spring or late summer.
There are many different types of mulch to use on your landscaping project. The type of mulch you choose depends on the style of your yard and the surrounding landscape. Mulch with organic materials is generally the best choice. It can be made from fine plant parts, small leaves, and grasses. Wood chips and bagged compost are the least suitable for mulching.
A thick layer of mulch provides many benefits. It keeps weeds from growing in your garden, and it provides nutrients to your soil. Hardwood mulch, for example, can turn clay soil into a fertile one. Another benefit of mulch is that it protects plants’ roots. Mulch also helps slow erosion of topsoil.
Pine straw is another good mulch option. You can purchase these when they fall off trees. Pine needles are naturally acidifying, but they won’t harm your plants. This mulch is available in many colors and textures. Choose one that matches your landscape. You can even choose one that’s made from recycled pallets or cocoa bean shells.
Mulch is an essential part of landscaping in late summer and autumn. It helps plants retain moisture, reduces the growth of weeds, and prevents unnecessary rot. You can also add pine straw around roses and tomato plants if you have them in your yard. This organic mulch will add valuable nutrients to your soil.
