This Month, a Lawn Needs Just a Little Off the Top
Protect your lawn from scorching summer sun by taking less off the top when mowing. Experts recommend making this cutting-height change in August when your lawn is most vulnerable to extreme conditions. The exact height you cut the grass will depend on the type of grass you have. Adjust the wheels on your mower or the cutters on your tractor to move blades to a higher level.
Garage Door Tuneup
The nuts, bolts, tracks and hinges that keep your garage door working smoothly tend to work loose over time. Tighten nuts and bolts, and lubricate tracks, wheels and hinges with a mist of lightweight oil. Check the locking mechanism to make sure it works smoothly. Inspect cables for fraying. Finally, check the balance of the door by opening it halfway. If it doesn’t stay put, your springs or counterweights probably need adjusting. If you’re not comfortable doing this work yourself, call in a pro. Many garage-door installers also service them. A tuneup costs about $75. To find a company, look under “Doors, Overhead” in the yellow pages.
Clean Vent Fans
Dirt and lint deposits inside a bathroom vent fan can impair efficiency, encourage mildew growth and shorten the life of the unit. To clean the fan, remove the vent cover and wipe the inside with a damp rag. A cotton swab or an old toothbrush works well on fan blades. If the fan still seems ineffective, you can get information on fan sizing and operation from Broan (https://www.broan.com; [800] 637-1453).
Prep Your Heating System
Don’t wait for the cold to discover that your furnace needs an overhaul. Book your heating contractor now for a checkup and/or cleaning.
Protect Plants
If you’re going to be away from home for an extended period, move containers and hanging baskets into shade or dappled light. Even sun-loving plants can handle some shade for a brief time. Ask a neighbor to stop by and water plants as needed.
Clip off any flowers in full bloom or past bloom. This pruning keeps them from going to seed and encourages more flowers.
Before you go, water trees and shrubs thoroughly, and renew mulch around plants to retain moisture and keep the soil temperature cooler.
Give the Lawn a Treat
Older, established lawns are most prone to infestation by Japanese beetles and other grubs. You can knock out these pests now, while they’re dormant in the ground. Put a grub-killer treatment into the lawn, using a hand or wheel spreader. Treatment preparations are available at your local garden-supply store or home center.
