If this summer has left you wondering what’s going on with your yard, you’re not alone. The growing season we’ve experienced in Southeast Wisconsin has thrown us a few curveballs. Spring brought plenty of rain, making it difficult to get into gardens and delaying some landscape projects. Then July flipped the script with stretches of hot, dry weather that caused lawns to brown and plants to show signs of stress much earlier than usual.

The recent stretch of cooler temperatures has been a welcome change. Many landscapes are already starting to recover, and August is a great time to give them a little extra attention before we head into fall.

Don’t Panic Over Brown Grass

One of the most common questions we’ve been hearing is, “Is my lawn dead?”

Fortunately, in most cases, the answer is no.

Most Wisconsin lawns are made up of cool-season grasses that naturally go dormant during periods of heat and drought. While the grass turns brown to conserve moisture, the roots are often still healthy. As temperatures cool and rainfall returns, many lawns will gradually green up again.

Now isn’t the time to overcorrect. Continue mowing at a higher height, water deeply when conditions are dry, and let your lawn recover at its own pace.

Give Trees and Shrubs a Checkup

Lawns usually show drought stress first, but trees and shrubs can continue feeling the effects long after the weather changes.

Take a walk around your property and look for branches that are broken, rubbing together, or no longer producing healthy growth. Newly planted trees and shrubs deserve a little extra attention since their root systems are still getting established.

Deep watering every several days is much more effective than frequent, shallow watering. A fresh layer of mulch can also help retain soil moisture while protecting roots from temperature swings.

Freshen Up Landscape Beds

After months of rapid spring growth followed by summer heat, landscape beds often need a little cleanup.

Pull weeds before they have a chance to spread seeds, remove spent annuals or perennials that have finished blooming, and touch up mulch where it’s thinned out over the season. These simple tasks instantly improve the appearance of your landscape while helping plants stay healthier through the rest of the summer.

It’s Not Too Early to Think About Fall

Some of the best landscape projects begin with a conversation in August.

If you’ve been thinking about adding a patio, replacing overgrown plantings, improving drainage, or creating a new outdoor living space, now is an excellent time to start planning. Fall provides ideal conditions for many landscape installations, and getting on the schedule early gives you the best opportunity to complete projects before winter arrives.

A Little Care Now Goes a Long Way

Every growing season is different, and this one has certainly kept homeowners on their toes.

Fortunately, landscapes are remarkably resilient. With a little patience and the right care, most lawns, trees, and planting beds will recover nicely as we move into late summer and fall.

If you’re unsure what your landscape needs after this unusual season, we’re always happy to help. Whether it’s a quick evaluation, proactive pruning, or planning your next outdoor project, our team is here to help you keep your landscape healthy and looking its best.