July’s arrival says we are at the midpoint of summer and prime time for all summer activities across Wisconsin. For plants, the arrival of July sends other signals, however, calling for adjustments in yard and garden maintenance activities.

Major seasonal growth of tree and shrubs ends with the arrival of July. Even though we do not notice it yet, day length starts shortening this month. Increasing darkness as summer advances signals trees to slow down and start dormancy processes. Foliage stays green and we do not see any changes yet, but internally, the lengthy process for preparing for winter begins.

For this reason, the next few months are not good times for major pruning or fertilizing of trees and shrubs, as new growth flushes may be stimulated that might not harden off properly for winter. Consider the Fourth of July as a good cutoff point to have pruning or any fertilizing completed for this growing season. Certainly, if there is dead growth or storm damage occurs, go ahead and carefully prune it.

Major pruning is suggested while trees are dormant in winter or early spring, depending on the species involved. Avoid pruning oaks from mid-April until after they go dormant in October due to oak wilt concerns. Also be careful when considering pruning spring flowering shrubs, as pruning now will remove flower buds for spring 2026.

Grass in nearly all Wisconsin lawns are cool-season species, which do not typically actively grow in midsummer, even going dormant. This response is to hot, dry summer conditions, rather than daylength, and active growth resumes when cooler weather returns in fall. Therefore, July is not a suitable time for fertilizing; wait until Labor Day for the next significant fertilizer application. Likewise, hold off on lawn seeding or sodding until the end of August.

Lawn care for the balance of summer is primarily mowing, and perhaps watering, as conditions dictate. Set mower cutting heights at least three inches for summer. Much of Wisconsin received significant rainfall recently, but if conditions start to get dry, decide to water lawns as needed or let them go dormant. Do not wait until lawns turn brown to water them to make them turn green again. Instead, water when grasses appear duller and darker, begin to wilt, or retain footprints when walked on.

Finally, one group of plants to intentionally stimulate growth for the second half of summer are annual flowers. Promptly remove spent blooms, pinch back any leggy growth, and fertilize periodically to stimulate more flower production from July into fall. Fertilizers mixed with water are ideal for use on annuals in hanging baskets and containers.