Garden Center at Cold Spring #2323

Set Up For Summer
As summer stretches on, your garden and landscaping will weather more heat and sun than earlier in the year. That means you'll need to consider how to keep things cool with shade, irrigation, and proper tending. Just like we can get sunburned, trees can lose their leaves prematurely, grass can get scorched, and plants can dry out. Let us help. At The Home Depot Cold Spring Garden Center, we've got what you need to make the most of summer.

Lawn Repair and Patching
Burnt, or scorched, grass has an oddly shaped discoloration that isn't green. It happens when a reflective surface shines continuously on your lawn, or plastic or metal sits on the grass and bakes in the sunlight. You'll discover it once you move something sitting in the yard, like a sprinkler. Car windows or mirrors can also scorch grass when the sun angle is just right.

Water burnt grass well and wait a week or so. You should see the signs of life returning by then. If it requires neutralizing after urine damage, you'll have to replace the grass or use patch and repair seed to fix it up.

Whether you're patching a lawn or doing upkeep on your current one, keep in mind which type of grass it is and tailor your lawn care accordingly. Match the grass type to how much sun your lawn gets — or to the existing grass type if you're doing patch repair. For example, if trees or buildings shade your lawn so it gets dappled sun or partial shade, make sure you plant grass that's not meant for full sun.

Care for Your Trees and Shrubs
When you're ensuring your garden is watered, don't forget about the trees and shrubs. They may need less watering than summer flowers or vegetable plants, but they can still get seriously parched in the sun. It's not hard to learn how to water bushes and trees — just be sure to aim the water at the roots. It'll help prolong the greenery and prevent it from turning yellow or brown. Also, check for damage on the trees and shrubs. Pests can destroy your greenery if you don't catch them in time.

Look for holes in leaves, spots on bark or leaves, or strange raised scars on the bark that look like artistic decoration. When your leaves look like lace, something is eating them. Spots may indicate a number of issues ranging from bugs to fungus. Those scar-like lines on tree bark could mean your tree is infected with borers, which are insects that lay eggs inside the bark and then burrow out after they hatch. Any of these issues should be researched and cared for as soon as possible, as a severe case may kill all or part of your tree.

Vertical Edible Gardening
Grow produce vertically for a smart use of space. Many veggie plants are vines and well-suited to climb a fence or trellis, so plant them next to one. The key to success is supporting the stem, fruit, and branches. This is so the weight of the plant doesn't snap part of the plant. Fasten the plant to a trellis, pole, or fence with string, plant ties and wires, garden wire, or fabric strips. Be sure to attach each plant loosely. That way, the stem has room to grow wider, and the branches and leaves can sway in the breeze.

Cucumbers, watermelon, strawberries, and tomatoes need support as they bear fruit. Melons and squash require hammocks made of string, a sling, old nylons, or other stretchy fabric to support the weighty produce. All of these plants take up less space on the ground this way, which allows you to fit even more plants or have walking room in between.

Trees as Natural Shade
Trees are the ultimate natural source of shade, and they can change the look of your yard. Whether you plant a few trees as accents, a few more to bear fruit, or a whole mini-forest, keep in mind this is a long-term commitment. Trees live many decades when they're healthy. Learn how to plant a tree before you shop — whether you're planting deciduous tree saplings, evergreens, or more mature trees.

A backyard forest can be the stuff of dreams, but research what you're planting beforehand. Consider the full-grown size of the trees you want, how deep the taproots go, and how far the root ball extends outward. Plant your trees far from plumbing pipes, as their strong roots will seek water and creep into piping to get it. A tree with a full canopy of leaves catches wind like a sail, so make sure it's planted a safe distance from your home.

If you've diligently planned, found trees you love, and know the perfect places to put them, get planting. That way, you can enjoy natural shade and the soothing sound of leaves rustling in the breeze sooner rather than later.

Find Your Summertime Supplies Today
No matter if your perfect summer includes gardening, relaxing, grilling, or finishing those outdoor DIY projects, we've got what you need to keep you covered. Make the most of these long evenings and early mornings to enjoy all the season has to offer. Shop online, on our app anywhere you like, or in the aisles of your Cold Spring Garden Center.