Summer in Georgia means longer days, more sunshine, and plenty of time spent outdoors. But with all that heat and humidity, your lawn and landscaping need extra attention to stay green, vibrant, and healthy. That’s where our Summer Lawn & Landscape Checklist comes in.
At P.O.P.S. Landscaping, we’ve spent over 30 years helping homeowners in Marietta, Cobb County, Cherokee County, and North Atlanta transform their yards into beautiful, functional outdoor spaces. Whether you’re just looking for basic lawn maintenance or ready to invest in a complete landscape redesign, this checklist will help you keep your property in peak condition all season long.
Let’s break down everything your yard needs this summer, plus how our expert team at P.O.P.S. can take the heavy lifting off your shoulders.
1. Tidy Up With a Summer Cleanup
Georgia’s summer storms can leave your yard littered with debris; fallen branches, soggy leaves, and blown mulch. The first step in any good Summer Lawn & Landscape Checklist is a thorough cleanup.
A cluttered yard not only looks messy but can block sunlight and moisture from reaching your grass and plants. Start by:
- Removing sticks, leaves, and other debris
- Clearing flower beds of weeds and spent blooms
- Raking up excess mulch or pine straw
Need help? P.O.P.S. Landscaping offers one-time cleanups to get your yard back in shape fast.
2. Inspect and Adjust Your Irrigation
Watering is crucial during the hot Georgia summer, but overwatering or uneven coverage can do more harm than good. Take time to inspect your irrigation system or sprinkler setup to ensure your entire lawn is getting consistent coverage.
Some summer watering tips:
- Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation
- Aim for 1–1.5 inches of water per week
- Avoid shallow watering that promotes weak roots
If your system needs an upgrade, our team can help install or adjust irrigation systems to fit your property’s unique layout.
3. Keep Mowing—But Do It Right
It’s tempting to mow your lawn short to stretch the time between cuts, but cutting too low in the summer can actually stress your grass. For healthy summer growth, make mowing a regular part of your Summer Lawn & Landscape Checklist. Here’s how to mow smarter:
- Set your mower blade height to around 3 inches
- Mow weekly, but never cut more than 1/3 of the blade at a time
- Keep mower blades sharp to avoid tearing grass
At P.O.P.S. Landscaping, we offer professional lawn maintenance services, including mowing, edging, and blowing; so your lawn always looks clean and cared for.
4. Feed and Protect Your Lawn
Fertilization and pest control are must-haves in your Summer Lawn & Landscape Checklist. Summer is a prime time for insects, weeds, and diseases to take hold, especially in Georgia’s hot, humid climate. Our summer treatment programs include:
- Targeted fertilization for warm-season grasses
- Weed control for crabgrass, spurge, and other summer invaders
- Insect and disease monitoring to catch problems early
Not sure what your lawn needs? We create custom treatment plans based on soil conditions, grass type, and the time of year.
5. Trim, Prune & Shape Shrubs and Trees
Landscaping isn’t just about the grass, your shrubs and trees need love too! Mid to late summer is a great time to prune back overgrown plants and remove any dead or damaged limbs that may be draining energy from your landscape. Keep in mind:
- Shaping your plants improves air circulation and sun exposure
- Pruning can encourage new blooms in the late season
- Overgrown shrubs and trees can block views and create safety hazards
We offer expert pruning services as part of our regular maintenance plans to keep your landscape clean, healthy, and looking its best.
6. Refresh Your Beds with Mulch or Pine Straw
Nothing freshens up a yard faster than a fresh layer of mulch or pine straw. It’s more than just a finishing touch, it also helps your landscape retain moisture, block weeds, and protect plant roots from summer heat. You can help freshen up your landscape with:
- Perennials like coneflowers, lantana, and black-eyed Susans.
- Mulch or pine straw to help retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
- Stone or decorative concrete to reduce grass coverage and maintenance.
If mulch is looking faded or washed out, now’s the time to refresh it. Luckily, P.O.P.S. Landscaping offers mulch and pine straw application services tailored to your yard’s design.
7. Add Seasonal Color With Summer Blooms
Want to instantly boost your curb appeal? Incorporating bold, bright flowers into your summer landscape is a great way to do it. Popular summer flowers for Georgia include:
- Zinnias
- Coneflowers
- Petunias
- Marigolds
Whether you want to fill containers, refresh garden beds, or create a vibrant focal point, our seasonal color change-outs can help your yard pop all summer long.
8. Build Up Your Space with Hardscaping Features
Summer is also the season to enjoy your outdoor living areas. Whether you’re hosting barbecues, relaxing by the fire pit, or dining al fresco, your yard should be both functional and stylish. Here are some hardscaping features to consider:
- Patios and decks for gathering space.
- Pergolas or shade structures for relief from the heat.
- Outdoor kitchens and grills for easy entertaining.
- Fire pits or outdoor fireplaces for nighttime ambiance.
9. Schedule Regular Maintenance
Lawn and landscaping care can be time-consuming, and inconsistent attention during summer can lead to dried-out grass, overgrown shrubs, or a yard overrun by pests. P.O.P.S. Landscaping provides ongoing maintenance plans for summer that include:
- Mowing, edging, and blowing
- Shrub and hedge trimming
- Flower bed weeding
- Fertilization and weed control
- Landscape touch-ups and seasonal enhancements
We tailor our plans to your property’s unique needs, whether it’s a small residential yard or a sprawling commercial space.
Make the Most of Summer With P.O.P.S. Landscaping
Summer lawn and landscaping care in Georgia doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right plan, a few smart upgrades, and the help of a professional partner, you can enjoy a yard that’s not just surviving the season but thriving in it.
With over 30 years of experience, the P.O.P.S. Landscaping team brings expertise, creativity, and craftsmanship to every project. Whether you need reliable lawn care or a complete landscape transformation, we’ll help you create a yard that’s healthy, beautiful, and truly the envy of the neighborhood.
Contact us today to schedule your summer lawn care service or start planning your dream outdoor space. Let P.O.P.S. Landscaping bring your Georgia yard to life this season!
