Summer is the perfect time for a road trip away from Eastern Washington/Northern Idaho. However, leaving your yard during the hot July and August months can cause a lot of worry. For example, if your grass grows too high, your Homeowners Association (HOA) might issue a costly fine.

Fortunately, you can easily protect your landscape and please your HOA while you are away. Furthermore, you can do this while following Spokane’s mandatory summer water rules. Therefore, let’s look at how to prepare your yard before you pack your bags.

The HOA Mowing Dilemma

First, many people want to cut their grass extra short right before a long trip. They do this because they want to avoid an HOA warning letter. However, this big mistake can completely destroy your lawn in the summer heat. Short grass exposes the soil and causes moisture to dry up quickly.

Mow Your Grass High

Instead, raise your mower blade to three or four inches right before your trip. Second, cut the grass at this high setting. Because taller grass blades shade the soil, they lock in vital moisture and keep the lawn healthy.

Hire a Local Service

Additionally, if you are leaving for more than a week, you should hire a temporary mowing service. Ask a neighbor or a local lawn team to cut the grass just once while you are gone. As a result, your grass stays green, and you avoid any angry notes from your HOA.

Mastering Your Smart Timer

Next, your automatic sprinkler timer is your best friend when you travel. Spokane rules strictly forbid outdoor watering between 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM. In addition, you must limit watering to just four days per week.

• Set a Morning Schedule: Program your system to run early in the morning. This timing allows water to soak in before the midday heat.

• Add a Rain Sensor: You should install a cheap rain sensor on your system. Consequently, the sprinklers will automatically turn off if it rains while you are gone.

Enjoy Your Summer Trip

In conclusion, a little bit of planning goes a long way. By setting your timers and arranging a single mid-trip mow, you protect your yard from both the harsh inland heat and strict HOA rules. Therefore, you can travel with total peace of mind.

Managing timers is a great way to handle a short vacation. However, if you want a truly low-maintenance yard that your HOA will always love, a professional upgrade is best. We can design beautiful, drought-tolerant landscapes that thrive even when you are away. Reach out!