It is vacation time and many Kingsville residents will be getting away, heading to cooler climates over the next month.

Across South Texas, the period following the 4th of July seems to be a very popular “get-away” week.

Before heading off to a more weather pleasant location, Kingsville residents need to make sure that lawns and landscapes are in order.

This is especially true this year following the recent rains. Thanks to the abundant moisture plants are growing fast.

It seems as if lawns, flowerbeds and landscape plants need mowed or trimmed daily. Listed are some tips to insure that all the hard work put into landscapes up to this point is not lost during vacation.

Mow the yard a day or two before leaving. Use the same cutting height that would normally be used. Don’t lower the mower for a closer cut.

Doing so will increase the lawn’s stress level. However, considering how quickly grass is currently growing, it might be worthwhile to make some mowing arrangements for the time that you are away. Right before leaving, do a final moisture check.

I am surprised how quickly the water from Alex drained. Our shallow South Texas soils dry out rapidly, even after heavy watering or abundant rainfall.

Ask a friend or neighbor to keep a close eye on the temperature and moisture conditions.

It may be necessary for them to hook up the hose and do some supplemental watering if needed.

Be sure and give the trees and shrubs a good drink as well.

Remember that normal lawn watering is probably not a substitute for tree watering in South Texas during the dog days of summer. The feeding root system of a tree is located within the top 18 inches of the soil and the “dripline” of the plant.

The most effective tree watering strategy is to lay a slow running hose on the ground at the dripline. Shrubs will also benefit from mulching. Mulch helps conserve valuable moisture needed for plant growth and maintenance.

Choose clean mulch that will remain loose and well aerated. Mulching also creates a barrier for weeds and unwanted grasses.

There is no doubt that 2010 has seen its share of weeds and unwanted grasses in flower beds thanks to the rainfall received last September and October.

Finally it is the time of year that white grub and chinch bugs are active in South Texas lawns.

Therefore, check for damaging pest and apply the proper control materials in order to prevent a buildup of pest while no one is around to monitor populations.

Especially be on the lookout for chinch bugs. They can do a tremendous amount of damage in a short period of time and they do remain active in the hottest part of summer.

Considering this year’s weather pattern, the little extra work put into landscape preparation prior to a summer getaway may very well be the difference in a healthy attractive landscape when you return or a landscape that resembles an overgrown abandoned piece of pastureland.