Summer in Georgia can be brutal on a landscape. From the intense heat to the not uncommon drought conditions, keeping a lush summer landscape can be difficult. However, there are a number of things you can do to along with such landscape maintenance tips ensure that your Atlanta landscape looks inviting.

Summer Landscape TLC

• Trim : Take a walk around your landscape and note any shrubbery, trees or vines that have become unruly. Then, pull out the garden shears and trimmers and cut back any excessive growth. Not only will this make your yard look better, but it will help the plants be healthier.
• Trellis: Do you have vines near your house? Consider adding a trellis. Trellis come in a variety of sizes and styles, or you might want to have a custom design that suites your style. Either way, a trellis can keep the beauty of vines without risk of your landscape being overtaken or damaging your home’s foundation.
•  Driveway Dress Up: Often, the driveway area gets overlooked. Consider lining it with a colorful flower garden, or shrubbery to add a soft yet finished appearance. Another great way to spruce up your driveway is to install driveway lighting!
•  Water: We all know how quickly a water shortage can occur in Georgia. If you have an irrigation system, be sure that it is set for optimum times such as early morning or late evening. Also, ensure that it won’t turn on, after, or during a rain to prevent overwatering.
• Pay Attention: Because summer sun and harsh weather can be damaging to your plants, be sure to periodically peruse your yard. Bolster struggling plants where needed, while removing those plants that may have died.
•  Weed: It often seems as though the weeds thrive, while the wanted plants can barely survive. Be vigilant in your weeding or let us do it! Proper weeding can get rid of unwanted plants that are pulling nutrients away from the desired plants.
• Fertilize: Give your summer landscape a boost, by spreading a layer of fertilizer. This will help trap in moisture and protect it from the sun’s harsh rays.
• Plant Tropical Bulbs – Consider plants such as caladiums, elephant ears, cannas and gingers. These plants thrive in high heat and provide a beautiful garden area.
• Aquatics: Consider adding in a water feature. This will not only add curb appeal but provides a place for you to unwind. It also gives area wildlife a place to hangout, which means everyone wins.
• Be Personal: Don’t forget to show off your style! Be sure your landscape includes a structure such as a pergola, gazebo, or shaded area. Outdoor entertainment spaces, such as a pool bring, bring fun design elements and seating for staying cool this Summer!

You don’t have to be a master landscaper or have a perpetual green thumb to have a beautiful lawn. Instead, contact our team at Outdoor Makeover & Living Spaces. Our landscape experts will work with you to create and maintain a beautiful landscape for summer and beyond!

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Summer is just around the corner and that means the kids are out of school, there's no homework, and friends will be coming over to play (for parents and kids alike). With the scorching Atlanta heat during the day and the cool star filled nights, families are going to want plenty of outdoor activities to do together. And there's no better place to enjoy outdoor family time than in your own outdoor living space. Here are some great ways to boost your family fun time in your backyard landscape.

• Fire pit or stone oven: The latest food craze hitting the restaurant scene is "build your own pizza" style restaurants. While everyone enjoys designing their own pie, going out to eat can get expensive. Installing a fire pit or outdoor oven can help family dinners become more fun. Not only are they visually appealing, but fire features are great for an outdoor campout or for keeping warm when the wind starts to get too rowdy.
• Pool area: Some of the best memories are made hanging out by the pool with the sun beating down on your skin. Having a pool can not only up your property value, it can up your fun factor reputation throughout the neighborhood. Who doesn't love someone with a pool? If your outdoor landscape isn't laid out to support a pool, why not have a relaxing Japanese water garden to have as part of your conversation area? Not only are water features the most popular of landscape design features, they are perfect for those hot Atlanta summers. Just imagine jumping in the cold pool to escape the heat.

Also Read: Ideas for Creating a Relaxation Station

• Patio Game: Having a great patio can also boost your family fun factor. Create your own at home drive in with a makeshift projector on your outdoor patio for you and your neighbors to have a weekly outdoor movie night! Have your patio furniture assembled around the deck so everyone is comfortable and has a great view. Hide fun toys around the patio's flower bed for the kids to search for while the parents enjoy cocktails from their newly installed patio bar! Lay out on your hammock and watch the birds play in your newly installed water fountain feature. The opportunities are endless.

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