Summer grounds care

Summer is here and that means more people are using our green spaces, how can we make sure that they are at their best for all those visiting?

Our parks, forests, fields and other green spaces provide great free days out for all ages, so it’s important they are in the best possible condition for those that use them. There are several areas to take care of. Proper summer grounds care is important to ensure the beauty, functionality and longevity of the local green spaces so that people can enjoy them. It is important to understand your outside spaces and what kind of care they might need, depending on their size, what they are used for and the kind of plants that grown there.

Grass
Overgrown grass is a quick way to turn people away from your green space, but it is also the easiest task to handle. We know that grass grows more quickly in the summer, so make sure grass cutting is scheduled regularly to keep it in check

Watering
It is likely that we will have more water shortages and hosepipe bans this year and in future years, so it is important to use water wisely. Grass doesn’t need regular watering, it always grows back. Try to plant resilient shrubs and plants that don’t need much water. You could consider watering methods such as drip irrigation. Mulch also helps to retain moisture and moderates soil temperature, as well as reduces weed growth.

Pruning
Shrubbery, hedges and trees also grow more quickly in the summer, so it is important that these are maintained to keep paths clear and ensure that areas are safe and paths are accessible. Make sure to remove any diseased or dead parts of plants to encourage growth and restoration. Pruning also makes areas look nicer and more inviting!

Weeds
Weeds are also going to grow more quickly and unfortunately, they need taking care of as well to ensure the place looks tidy and to stop more weeds from growing and harming the plants that you actually want.

Pest control
Some insects can cause significant damage to your plants. It is good to encourage beneficial insects and birds which can help to control the pests in a natural way. For the beneficial insects and birds, provide shelter and food sources, such as flowering plants for insects and birdbaths or birdhouses for birds.
    
You can also consider using natural pest repellents or organic pesticides to protect plants. Harsh chemicals that can harm the environment and other wildlife should be avoided.

Litter
More visitors means more litter and you need to make sure you have the facilities to provide for this. Make sure there are enough bins and the bins that are there are emptied regularly. Put up signs encouraging people to take their waste home with them and advertising the penalties for littering to discourage it. L