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Tips for lawns, plants and pets

It rains all weekend and then temperatures pop up into the high 70s or even 80s during the week. That’s called springtime in Wyoming where Mother Nature’s fickle moods make the grass grow like crazy along with the weeds.

But, it’s also the perfect time to start planning for the heat of summer with your landscaping and do a few things now to ensure everything stays blooming and beautiful for the season.

For instance, now is the right time to be pruning pine, fir and spruce. Trimming and shaping through mid June for these species is best for their health and growth.

While we’re still having a bit of rainy season, fertilizing your lawns, flowers and gardens is a good idea. The moisture allows all the nutrients to soak into the soil to give everything a little boost.

Wondering when you should water and how much?

Lawns need about an inch of water a week to thrive. If you water deeply, you can actually water less often.

Watering early in the day is best, too, to prevent fungus from growing which can cause patchy areas or your entire lawn to go dormant.

But how do you gauge how much an inch is?

The simplest way is to take an empty tuna can or other small can, place it on the lawn, then go ahead and water. When you’ve finished watering, remove the can and pour the contents into a rain gauge to determine if you are watering enough, then adjust time as necessary.

It is also a good idea to leave your grass a little longer during the summer months.

Taller grass is more drought resistant and keeps the soil in the shade, which helps the moisture last longer. Mowing the lawn to a 2” – 3” height is recommended.

And who enjoys that lush lawn better than your pets?

This is also a good time to think about your furry family as temperatures start rising.

Always make sure your pets have plenty of clean, fresh water and a shady place to go as the heat of the day begins. Exercise is good for all our pets, but during hot days, it’s best to limit their exercise so they don’t get overheated.

When it’s extremely hot it’s a good idea to just keep them inside where it’s cooler.

Watch for overheating in your pets, too. This can be indicated by excessive panting or difficulty breathing along with increased heart or respiratory rate. Watch for excessive drooling, mild weakness, stupor or collapse, seizures or vomiting.

Those with pugs or Persian cats, those with flat faces, are more susceptible to overheating since they can’t pant as effectively as other breeds.

Elderly or overweight animals are best kept inside where there is air conditioning.

Animals should never, ever be left inside a car. Temperatures rise dramatically inside locked vehicles and can quickly lead to death.

You would think the less fur on your pet, the cooler he will be, but the fur is actually an additional barrier against the heat. Trimming your pet is fine, but shaving your pet leaves them susceptible to heat and sunburn.

 

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