Smart Summer Yard Maintenance: How to Keep Your Seattle Garden Thriving Without Wasting Water

Seattle summers may be milder than other parts of the country, but that doesn’t mean your garden can go without a little extra care. July and August often bring long dry stretches, and with watering restrictions and rising utility costs, it’s important to be smart about how you care for your yard.

Here are practical, eco-friendly tips to help keep your garden green and your maintenance low this summer in Seattle:

1. Water Early or Late

Avoid watering in the middle of the day when the sun is at its strongest. Watering early in the morning or after sunset helps reduce evaporation, meaning more water reaches the roots where it’s needed.

2. Use Mulch to Lock in Moisture

Apply 2–3 inches of mulch around garden beds, shrubs, and trees. Mulch helps keep the soil cool, retains moisture, and suppresses weeds that compete for water.

3. Install a Drip Irrigation System

Drip irrigation delivers water directly to the root zones, where it's most effective. It's more efficient than overhead sprinklers and can be set on a timer, making your watering consistent and low-maintenance.

4. Collect Rainwater

Seattle may have dry summers, but there's usually enough spring and fall rain to justify setting up a rain barrel. Use collected rainwater for flower beds, containers, and other non-edible plants. Bonus: It’s free and better for the environment.

5. Group Plants by Water Needs

Keep thirstier plants together and drought-tolerant varieties in their own zone. This lets you water more strategically and helps avoid over- or under-watering.

6. Mow High, Not Low

Set your mower blade higher during the summer. Longer grass shades the soil, helping it retain moisture and reducing the need for frequent watering.

7. Check for Leaks

If you're using hoses or irrigation systems, check for leaks and clogs regularly. A single hole in a hose can waste hundreds of gallons over time.

8. Let the Lawn Go Dormant

Seattle lawns are often cool-season grasses, which naturally go dormant in summer droughts. It’s perfectly healthy for your lawn to turn golden for a few weeks. Skip the watering and let nature take its course. It will bounce back with the fall rain.

Final Thought: Smart Care = A Better Summer Yard

You don’t need a massive water bill to have a healthy summer garden. With a few smart practices, you can keep your yard looking fresh while conserving water and time.

Got questions about boosting curb appeal or prepping your home for sale this summer? I’d be happy to help. Reach out anytime!