Making the Most of Your Outdoor Space This Summer

The dos and don’ts from a pro so you can keep the livin’ easy this season

From the LifeMinute.TV Team

July 13, 2021

Summer is here, and it's finally time to be together. Whether it's keeping unwanted pests at bay or lawn care and home maintenance tips to prevent big problems later, we've got the scoop on everything outdoors. We chatted with landscape and gardening expert Chris Lambton, who is the host of DIY and HGTV's most fab backyard shows, all about the dos and don'ts so you can keep the livin' easy this season.

The idea of outdoor entertaining is so appealing right now, but everyone hates dealing with bugs. We love Hot Shot because they make an entire collection of products to get rid of crawling, flying, and stinging pests. The Hot Shot™ Ant, Roach & Spider Killer is the brand's strongest ant and roach formula, and it's their fastest knockdown ever. It kills listed bugs on contact, both indoors and outdoors, and keeps killing for up to 3 months when used as directed on non-porous surfaces. The formula leaves no oily residue and comes in both a fresh floral and lemon scent. Find it at grocery chains, The Home Depot, Walmart, and Lowe’s, or online on Amazon. Visit hotshot.com for more info.

Next, check your doors and windows for cracks and get the caulking gun out to patch up any holes. Do the same for your patios and walkways. Repairing any potholes or other issues now will save a lot of expense later. If you have a deck, check it, and make sure it’s holding up from the wear and tear of winter.

Of course, you can't forget your lawn! Pros know, how you mow it can make a big difference. Be sure to set the mower at the highest setting for the type of grass you’re growing. For cool-season grasses, that’s about 2½ to 3½ inches. Warm-season grasses tend to do a little better when cut a little shorter.

It’s also important to mow often enough that you’re never removing more than 1/3 of the grass blade height at a time. When you mow, vary your mowing patterns so that you don’t create ruts in the lawn from mowing along the same track; that's the reason why the most pristine lawns are always crisscrossed in a pattern. And don’t overwater. It’s best to water deeply and less frequently. A good long soak is another way to encourage roots to grow deeper into the soil, which strengthens the lawn and helps it survive during a drought. When the grass has started to look a little grayish, and the blades don’t bounce back when you walk on them, it’s time to water. In the summer you might need to water about 3 times per week. If you receive a long, soaking rain, there’s no need to water that day. Also, consider using grass seed, which is like vitamins for your lawn.

Summer is also the time to clean up things that get used in the winter, like cleaning gutters. Fall debris such as leaves and mud can clog the drains, and once it piles up, it can lead to leaks into the walls and roof. Clearing any possible build-up from your gutters goes a long way in lowering the risks of water damage. Also, inspect your chimney and check your central heating system if you have it.