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What to do to your Lawn and Plants Before you go on Vacation If you plan to be gone longer than two weeks, it's a good idea to enlist the aid of another party - both for the health of your plants and for security reasons. Before you hit the road: - Mow the lawn at the regular mowing height for your turfgrass variety. If the grass grows a lot while you're gone, mow it at a higher setting when you return to prevent scalping.
- If the weather has been dry, water the lawn well prior to leaving, soaking the grass down to the roots, about 4". Water early in the morning for best results. If your grass has already gone dormant (a normal summer occurrence for cool-season grasses), leave it alone. Warm-season grasses would probably like a good drink of water before you leave. Planting beds, trees and shrubs would also benefit from a good watering. Of course you should observe your local water ordinances where applicable.
- Add mulch to planting beds to conserve moisture and reduce weeds.
- Prune hedges and shrubs that may start to look overgrown while you are away.
- Pick vegetables and fruit that are ripe or starting to ripen.
- Outdoor container plants are vulnerable since they dry out more quickly even under normal circumstances. Think about moving them to a shadier area for the time you will be away.
- Hanging baskets have the additional drying effects of wind to deal with. If yours are in a breezy area, shelter them if possible while you are away.
- Don’t forget your houseplants. Give them a good watering (but don't drown them). Move them away from direct sunlight sources, especially if you've adjusted the thermostat greatly from the normal home temperature. This will prevent scorching and slightly slow the growth rate.
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