May is the handoff from spring to summer. Plants are growing fast, weeds are persistent, and warm (hot) weather can arrive suddenly. This month is about staying consistent so your landscape looks great and holds up when the heat hits.
Beds, mulch, and weeds
- Maintain consistent weekly weeding. May's rapid weed growth can quickly lead to seeding.
- Top off mulch as needed to help hold moisture and reduce weed pressure, keeping it off trunks and plant crowns.
- Check bed edges and borders. Crisp lines keep everything looking cared for even when growth gets full.
Planting and seasonal color
- Continue planting shrubs, perennials, and warm-season annual color, but be ready to water new plants consistently.
- Fill gaps now so plants can establish before summer stress.
- If you want more privacy, screening, or structure, May is a good time to install shrubs and small trees while you can still support them with consistent watering.
Pruning and plant care
- Lightly shape spring-flowering shrubs after bloom if needed, but avoid heavy pruning once summer heat arrives.
- Remove spent blooms where appropriate and thin overcrowded growth to improve airflow.
- Watch for early pest issues on new growth and address them before they spread.
Lawn care
Tall fescue
- Raise mowing height as temperatures climb. Taller fescue handles heat better and shades out weeds.
- Avoid heavy nitrogen fertilizing going into summer. Focus on smart mowing and watering.
- Continue to monitor for disease signs as humidity increases and overnight temperatures rise.
Bermuda
- Bermuda is in its active growth season now. Mow consistently and avoid letting it get overly tall between cuts.
- This is the time when proper mowing height and frequency make the biggest difference in density and appearance.
- Stay ahead of weeds before they take hold in thin areas.
Irrigation and watering
- Adjust irrigation for May conditions. Spring settings are often too light once warm, windy weather arrives.
- Water early in the morning when needed and avoid frequent shallow watering. Deep, less frequent watering builds stronger roots.
- Walk your system while it runs. Look for overspray, clogged nozzles, tilted heads, and dry spots that indicate coverage issues.
Drainage and runoff
- May storms can be intense. Watch where water moves and note any erosion, washouts, or pooling.
- Small grading corrections, downspout extensions, or drainage improvements now prevent bigger problems later in summer.
Hardscape and outdoor living
- May is a strong month for patios, walkways, edging, and outdoor gathering spaces before peak summer use.
- Inspect retaining walls, steps, and pavers for movement and address trip hazards early.
- Keep walkways free of algae and slick buildup in shaded areas.
Outdoor lighting
- Summer growth can block light quickly. Re-aim fixtures and trim around key lights so paths and entries stay well-lit.
- Consider expanding lighting around patios and gathering areas now, before summer entertaining is in full swing.
