The end of summer in Northwest Arkansas is more than just back-to-school season—it’s the time your yard needs the most attention. Late summer yard maintenance ensures your lawn, garden, and landscape features remain healthy, attractive, and storm-ready. By tackling a few August landscaping tips now, you’ll prepare your yard for fall in Arkansas and avoid costly issues once cooler weather sets in.
Trim and Prune Overgrowth
Late summer is prime time to shape up shrubs, hedges, and trees. Overgrowth can lead to storm damage when high winds or heavy rains hit, especially if branches are close to your roof or power lines.
Prevent Storm Hazards: Cutting back weak branches reduces the risk of breakage during fall storms.
Promote Plant Health: Pruning redirects energy to healthier branches and roots, strengthening plants before dormancy.
Improve Appearance: Trimmed hedges and trees create a tidy, intentional look that boosts curb appeal.
Pro Tip: Avoid aggressive pruning—stick to trimming back 10–20% of growth at this time of year.
Inspect and Adjust Irrigation Systems
As August gives way to September, your yard’s water needs begin to change.
Reduce Frequency: Bermuda and fescue lawns need less frequent watering as temps cool.
Check Efficiency: Look for leaks, clogged sprinkler heads, or uneven coverage that can waste water.
Update Timers: Reset irrigation schedules to match shorter days and cooler evenings.
By adjusting now, you’ll conserve water and maintain optimal moisture for your lawn and plants.
Weed Removal and Bed Cleanup
Weeds thrive in late summer heat, and if left unchecked, they’ll drop seeds that sprout next spring.
Pull weeds from flower beds and lawns before they spread.
Refresh mulch to help soil retain moisture and suppress future weed growth.
Remove dead annuals or declining perennials for a clean transition into fall.
This small effort now prevents major headaches later.
Fertilize for Strong Roots
Late summer feeding is a game-changer for Northwest Arkansas lawns.
For Bermuda Grass: Apply a high-nitrogen fertilizer to strengthen roots before winter dormancy.
For Fescue: Use a balanced fertilizer that promotes both root and shoot growth.
A healthy feeding schedule helps your grass thicken, resist disease, and come back greener in spring.
Check Hardscape Features
Don’t overlook your patios, retaining walls, and walkways. Cracks or settling now will worsen with freeze-thaw cycles.
Inspect for uneven pavers or crumbling mortar.
Seal cracks to prevent water penetration.
Schedule repairs before cold weather makes the work harder and costlier.
You can continue mowing until the first frost, but lower your mowing height in late summer to encourage thicker turf.
No—August is actually one of the best times to fertilize Bermuda and fescue lawns before cooler temps arrive.
Yes, but choose heat-tolerant varieties. For longer-lasting results, prepare for fall plantings like mums and ornamental grasses in September.
Don’t let late summer chores overwhelm you. Let Home & Soil handle your August landscaping so your property is ready for fall. Contact us today for a free quote and enjoy a smooth, stress-free transition into autumn.
