Landscaping Tips for New Homeowners

Are you a new homeowner looking forward to the first summer in your new home? In our 40 years in the real estate business, Peggy Slappey Properties has welcomed so many friends and clients into their new homes. We understand that some parts of homeownership can seem daunting, including the unique problems that come with keeping your yard beautiful in the Georgia heat and humidity. As we look forward to summer, we’ve rounded up a few helpful tips to help your landscaping look its best throughout the hottest months of the year.

Water During the Coolest Parts of the Day

The absolute best time to water your lawn and garden is early morning, between 6am and 9am. Did you know plants can get sunburned? Watering during the hottest part of the day, when the sun is shining brightest, not only wastes water (it evaporates more quickly), but it also can damage the leaves on tender plants. Water in the early morning to give plants ample opportunity to fully absorb a good drink.

Choose Drought-Resistant, Heat-Loving Plants

The Georgia heat is no joke in July and August. Without constant watering, many traditional landscaping plants will start to wither. Plan for those hot months now, with colorful alternatives to make your flowerbeds pop. Try Black-Eyed Susans, a hardy flower with reddish orange petals, or Lantana, which will attract butterflies in droves. The best time to plant these heat-loving plants is mid to late spring.

Set a Schedule for Mowing & Fertilize Regularly

The best way to make your landscape inviting is to keep it well maintained. That means setting a regular mowing schedule and sticking to it. It is also important to fertilize regularly to encourage grass growth and keep weeds from invading.

Live Outside the Busy City? Choose Plants that Deer Will Avoid

There is nothing worse than discovering all the flowers you lovingly planted in the spring have been eaten just at their prime by nosy, hungry deer. Wherever there is a patch of woods, you’ll be sure to find a few deer. Even in suburban areas, they are always looking for easy treats near residential areas.

There are, however, a few plants that deer dislike. Try bearded iris, peonies, chives, sage, and lavender. In general, deer are repelled by “stinky” plants, or those that give off a strong odor. While some deer will avoid roses and azaleas (popular landscaping plants in North Georgia), others will strip blossoms regardless of the thorns and tough leaves. To keep these beautiful plants growing and healthy, try planting them in protected places close to your home, where deer are less likely to feel comfortable intruding.

We hope the summer ahead is filled with sunny days for every new PSP homeowner, and that these tips help your yard look its best when the hottest days settle in this summer.

Peggy Slappey Properties, Inc. (PSP) is a Metro Atlanta real estate brokerage celebrating 40 years of experience in real estate sales and marketing.  From new home construction to resales and so much more, we are a trusted market leader.  To see our current listings, visit www.psponline.com and call us for expert advice at 770-271-5555.  Keep up to date with the latest PSP events and offers by checking in on Facebook.