June marks the beginning of summer, and with it comes increased foot traffic, rising temperatures, and new demands on your landscape. For commercial property managers, this is a critical month to ensure that outdoor spaces are prepared to handle the heat while maintaining their aesthetic appeal. A proactive maintenance strategy not only helps avoid costly issues down the line but also keeps your property looking its best for tenants, customers, and visitors.
Here’s a comprehensive June maintenance checklist to guide property managers through essential landscaping tasks this month.
1. Inspect and Adjust Irrigation Systems
With hotter and drier conditions ahead, irrigation systems need to be in peak condition.
- Check for leaks and clogs: Ensure all sprinkler heads are functioning properly and adjust them to avoid overspray onto sidewalks or buildings.
- Update watering schedules: Increase frequency in high-heat zones, but make sure watering happens early in the morning to reduce evaporation.
- Consider smart controllers: Weather-based irrigation systems can save water and reduce costs during the summer season.
2. Monitor Plant Health and Pests
Summer can stress plant material, making it more susceptible to pests and disease.
- Look for signs of stress: Wilting, discoloration, or stunted growth can be early indicators.
- Check for pests: June is prime time for aphids, spider mites, and grubs. A professional landscape team can apply eco-friendly treatments when needed.
- Boost plant health: Mulch, proper watering, and occasional fertilization support resilience during the hottest months.
3. Mow, Edge, and Trim Regularly
Keeping grass and plants well-groomed is essential for both aesthetics and safety.
- Maintain a regular mowing schedule: Cutting too short during hot months can stress turf; keep blades at 2.5–3 inches.
- Edge sidewalks and driveways: Clean lines create a polished, well-maintained appearance.
- Trim trees and shrubs: This encourages healthy growth and prevents overhanging branches from becoming hazards.
4. Refresh Mulch and Groundcover
Mulch is your best friend during summer—it locks in moisture, regulates soil temperature, and keeps weeds at bay.
- Inspect existing mulch: Replace or replenish areas where mulch has thinned or blown away.
- Apply at optimal depth: 2–3 inches is ideal. Too much can suffocate roots; too little won’t do the job.
- Choose quality materials: Organic mulch breaks down slowly and adds nutrients to the soil over time.
5. Enhance Seasonal Color
Make a strong first impression with vibrant summer flowers and foliage.
- Swap out spring blooms: Replace faded annuals with heat-tolerant summer varieties like lantana, zinnias, and salvia.
- Plan for high-traffic areas: Entrances, walkways, and signage areas are great places to add pops of color.
- Consider container arrangements: These allow flexibility and can be easily swapped throughout the season.
6. Address Weed Growth
Weeds thrive in the heat and can quickly take over if left unchecked.
- Manual and chemical control: A combination of hand-pulling and targeted herbicide use is often most effective.
- Focus on cracks and edges: Weeds commonly pop up along pavement lines and curb edges, affecting curb appeal.
- Preventative strategies: Thick mulch and proper plant spacing can help prevent new weeds from emerging.
7. Review Vendor Performance and Contracts
June is a good time to assess whether your landscaping vendor is meeting expectations.
- Mid-year check-in: Review service logs and walk the property with your account manager.
- Evaluate responsiveness: Are issues being resolved quickly and professionally?
- Plan for enhancements: Identify areas where you may want to improve or invest in upgrades later in the season.
Final Thoughts
June is more than just the start of summer—it's a pivotal month for maintaining the health and appearance of your commercial landscape. A well-maintained exterior not only creates a positive impression but also extends the life of your landscape investment and contributes to tenant satisfaction.
By following this checklist, property managers can stay ahead of seasonal challenges and set their sites up for success all summer long. If you're looking for a trusted commercial landscaping partner to help with your maintenance plan, we're here to help.
