5 Tips for Great Lawn and Landscape Care This Summer in Olympia, WA
Summers in the greater Olympia, WA area bring long daylight hours, mild temperatures, and a few dry spells that can be both a blessing and a challenge for your lawn and landscape. Whether you’re trying to maintain a lush green yard or keep your plants happy through the warm season, a bit of proactive care can go a long way.
Here are five expert tips to keep your lawn and landscape thriving this summer:
1. Water Smart, Not Hard
While the Pacific Northwest is known for its rain, summer can often bring weeks of drier weather. Your lawn needs about 1 inch of water per week, including rainfall. Water deeply and infrequently—preferably in the early morning—to encourage deep root growth and reduce the risk of fungal diseases.
Pro tip: Consider installing a drip irrigation system for flower beds and shrubs. It’s efficient and delivers water directly to the roots.
2. Mow High and Often
Resist the urge to scalp your lawn. Instead, mow at a height of about 3 inches to help shade the soil, retain moisture, and block out weeds. Frequent mowing (about once a week) keeps the grass healthy, but make sure your mower blades are sharp to avoid damaging the grass.
Local tip: Fine fescues and perennial ryegrass are common in Olympia lawns. They thrive when mowed slightly higher and handled gently during summer stress.
3. Use Mulch to Your Advantage
Applying a layer of mulch (2–3 inches) around trees, shrubs, and in garden beds helps retain soil moisture, regulate soil temperature, and reduce weeds. Organic mulches like bark or compost are ideal for our region.
Bonus: Mulch also improves soil structure over time as it breaks down, which benefits your plants year-round.
4. Watch for Pests and Disease
Summer heat can bring unwanted guests to your landscape. Keep an eye out for common problems like cranefly larvae in your lawn, aphids on shrubs, and powdery mildew on roses or vegetables. Early detection is key—natural predators, neem oil, or organic pest control solutions can often manage issues before they get out of hand.
Tip: Don’t overwater or over-fertilize, as this can create the perfect environment for pests and diseases.
5. Refresh with Native Plants
If you're thinking of updating your landscape, summer is a great time to assess what’s thriving—and what’s not. Consider incorporating drought-tolerant native plants like salal, sword ferns, red-flowering currant, and Oregon grape. These plants are adapted to local conditions, require less maintenance, and provide food and habitat for local wildlife.
Final Thought
Maintaining a beautiful lawn and landscape in Olympia during the summer is all about working with nature, not against it. By following these tips, you’ll not only save time and water, but you’ll also enjoy a healthier, more resilient yard that stays vibrant all season long.
If you need help with summer lawn care or landscape planning, reach out to your local lawn care professionals in Thurston County. A little support goes a long way toward making your outdoor space the best it can be.