How to Prep Your Landscape or Garden for Summer Heat

The heat of the summer sun can have a scorching effect on any landscape or garden – and not necessarily at the same rate. As the weather warms up, it’s essential to start thinking strategically about how to prepare your outdoor space for the high temperatures ahead.

Summertime is one of the most enjoyable seasons of the year, but it can also be challenging to keep grass, flowers, plants and bushes alive and thriving in their respective spaces. Every aspect of your landscape will need the correct amount and application of water, as some areas demand less than others. From watering techniques to shade coverage, it’s vital to make sure all the bases are covered. Working with a full-service landscaping company that specializes in different irrigation techniques will provide you with the most vital information on how to keep your property healthy and thriving despite the summer heat. 

1. Watering Schedule

The first step in preparing your landscape or garden for the summer heat is to develop and maintain a watering schedule. As the temperatures rise, plants will require more water to stay hydrated. Certain spaces should be watered early in the morning or late in the evening to minimize evaporation.

2. Soil Monitoring

It’s also essential to monitor soil moisture levels, as overwatering can be as harmful as underwatering. A soil moisture meter may be necessary to determine when you need to water your plants.

3. Use of the Right Irrigation System

Using the right irrigation method should be central to any professional landscaping service. Many types of landscape irrigation systems can be tailored for different properties. These include:

• Surface irrigation
• Sprinkler irrigation
• Localized
• Micro-irrigation (like drip irrigation)
• Sub-irrigation
• Manual irrigation

Your variety of foliage, spacing between areas and local climate will all play a part in how you approach the irrigation of your property. 

4. Mulch Application

Mulch is another helpful way to keep your landscape or garden healthy during the summer heat. Not only does it help retain soil moisture, but it also helps regulate soil temperature and prevent weed growth.

Mulch is typically applied at least 2 to 3 inches deep, as well as around the base of plants. This helps keep the roots cool and reduces the amount of water lost to evaporation.

5. Strategic Placement of Shade

Adding shade is another effective way to protect your plants from the harsh sun. Consider adding a shade cloth or other type of temporary shade structure to provide sun protection for your garden or landscape.

You can also look into planting trees or installing permanent structures to provide natural shade. Remember to take into account the placement of your plants and how the shade will affect their growth.

6. Correct Use of Fertilizer

Fertilizing plants earlier in the season can help build up their strength and resilience to the hot weather. Consider using a slow-release fertilizer that will provide nutrients over a more extended period.

It’s also essential to monitor the health of plants throughout the summer, as too much fertilizer can cause damage. Look out for signs of leaf burn or yellowing, and adjust your fertilization accordingly.

7. Proper Maintenance

Proper landscape maintenance is crucial to keeping your lawn and garden healthy during the summer heat. Be sure to keep up with regular maintenance tasks such as pruning, weeding and pest control. Regular maintenance also helps reduce the amount of stress plants experience as temperatures rise. It’s essential to stay vigilant for signs of plant stress and take action quickly to prevent any further damage.

8. Get Help from a Landscaping Service with Irrigation Expertise 

As the list shows, proper irrigation starts before your plants even begin to sprout. To get it right, various factors should be considered – first, during the design phase, and then when preparing the proper treatment for each outdoor space in the warmer months. Schmechtig Landscapes will monitor your plants and lawn to keep them as healthy as possible in the higher temperatures. From irrigation spring start-up to your system shutdown in the fall, our irrigation division is dedicated to maintaining expert treatment for all of our clients’ plant beds, gardens, lawns and other outdoor areas.
Contact Schmechtig Landscapes to find out which irrigation solution is right for your property. We will walk you through each stage of service so you know exactly what you’re getting. Visit Schmechtig Landscapes online to find out more, or call us today!