August Landscaping Tips for Chicagoland Homeowners

As summer winds down in Chicagoland, August is a critical month for your landscape and we want to share some landscaping tips to keep your curb appeal into the fall. The heat is still lingering, but cooler days are just around the corner. What you do now sets the stage for a healthy, beautiful lawn and garden heading into fall. Here are our top recommendations for keeping your landscaping in great shape this month:

1. Stay on Top of Watering

August often brings hot, dry weather. Lawns, trees, and garden beds need consistent watering — about 1 inch per week. Water deeply in the early morning to encourage strong root growth and minimize evaporation. If you have younger trees or shrubs, be sure they’re getting extra attention.

2. Keep Up with Mowing

Your lawn still needs regular mowing, but avoid cutting it too short. Keeping grass blades at about 3 inches helps shade the soil, conserve moisture, and reduce weeds. Sharpen your mower blades to prevent tearing the grass.

3. Deadhead and Trim Perennials

Many perennials are still blooming, but by trimming off spent flowers, you’ll encourage longer bloom times and keep your beds looking neat. Plants like coneflowers, black-eyed Susans, and daylilies benefit from deadheading this time of year.

4. Fertilize Thoughtfully

Late August is a good time to prepare your lawn for fall. Consider applying a slow-release fertilizer to strengthen roots before cooler weather arrives. For gardens, stick to balanced fertilizers to keep plants healthy without forcing new growth right before fall.

5. Watch for Pests and Disease

Warm, humid days can bring out fungal diseases and pests. Check leaves for spotting, mildew, or insect damage. Early intervention can prevent bigger problems down the road.

6. Plan Fall Planting

August is the perfect time to plan ahead. Think about what you’d like to add this fall — new trees, shrubs, or seasonal color with mums and ornamental grasses. Starting preparations now ensures you’ll be ready to plant as soon as the weather cools. Need some inspiration? Check out our Plant Directory.

7. Refresh Mulch and Edging

Mulch that’s thinned out over the summer should be topped off. A 2–3 inch layer helps conserve soil moisture and regulate temperature as the season transitions. Fresh edging around beds also keeps your landscape looking crisp.

Final Thoughts

August is all about maintenance and preparation in Chicagoland. By keeping up with watering, mowing, and garden care now, you’ll set your lawn and landscaping up for a strong and healthy fall season.

At A Touch of Green, we’re here to help you enjoy your yard all year long. Whether you need maintenance, planting, or a fresh design, our team is ready to make your landscape shine.