It’s not an exaggeration to say that the summer heat is brutal, and it can certainly take a toll on our plants and lawns. If you want your landscape to continue to look good during these hot months, there are a few things you need to know. From how you water to what you choose to grow, utilizing some of these tips can ensure that you have a green and gorgeous outdoor space all summer.
Watering Wisely: How to Give Your Plants a Drink
When temperatures start to rise in the summer, proper hydration becomes extremely important for the health of your plants and the look of your landscape. But just watering whenever you feel like it may not be the best plan. This is because not all plants need the same amount of water.
For example, instead of short, frequent sprinkles, water deeply but less often. This encourages roots to spread deeper into the soil where they have access to more moisture, even if the topsoil dries out.
Mulch Magic: Saving Soil and Plants
Organic mulch, such as wood chips or shredded bark, that you layer around your plants does miraculous things. It helps keep the soil cooler, acting as a barrier against the hot sun. It also helps the soil hold more moisture so that you don’t have to water as often. When organic mulch decomposes, it releases nutrients into the soil, which assists in feeding your plants throughout the year.
Plants That Thrive and Tolerate Heat Well
Although you can certainly try to keep your current plants alive, the easiest way to avoid this hassle is to choose more plants that tolerate the summer heat well. There are lots of pretty flowers, shrubs, and groundcovers that actually stand up well to the sun and can tolerate less frequent watering once they’re established. For example, plants such as zinnias, coneflowers, and succulents are recognized for their capacity to handle hot, dry weather.
Weed Control Wisdom: Fewer Competitors for Your Plants
Summer is the season of weeds running amok, and if you allow them, they’ll compete with your desirable plants for water, nutrients, and sunlight. Your plants may become more stressed, which can make them more susceptible to the heat. Weeding your garden along with the rest of your yard is essential as part of summer maintenance. You can pull weeds by hand, making sure to pull up the roots, or you can try safe, organic weed control methods. If you have a lot of space, thorough weeding early in the season can stave off a far bigger calamity down the line because one lone weed can soon become many.
Seasonal Pruning: Adding to Plants’ Well-Being
While major pruning occurs in late winter or early spring, a little light pruning during the summer can actually enhance your landscape. Pruning dead or damaged branches and deadheading spent flowers can stimulate new growth and help your plants look pristine. For instance, if you have roses, deadheading them will frequently stimulate the plants to continue blooming all summer.
Consulting with a professional arborist is also not a bad idea. They can give you some suggestions you never considered for your landscape. Our arborists at Turbo Tree Care in Sterling Heights, MI are always standing by to help homeowners with their trimming and pruning needs, so get in touch with us if you want to improve your landscape this summer.
