Looking for a better way to keep your Texas landscape green this summer? We’re no stranger to heat waves here in Houston. Unfortunately, these high temperatures can wreak havoc on your landscape without proper care and irrigation. You’ve likely seen front lawns with brown patches and crispy blades of grass. You may have also seen gorgeous spring blooms start to droop or dull in the summer. Here are five tips to help you keep your landscape vibrant and healthy, even as the temperatures start to rise.
Follow the 1/3 Rule
This means trim grass no more than 1/3 of the length. Leaving grass blades a little longer than usual during the summer will help protect your landscape. Longer grass has deeper roots, which can allow the grass to draw more moisture from deeper in the soil.
Deep Watering
When it’s hot, your plants get thirsty. A good rule of thumb is to water lawns up to three times a week. Meanwhile, flowerbeds and shrubs may need to be watered as often as once a day, depending on the flowers. Certain plants such as irises and coneflowers (or echinacea) require daily watering, while others like succulents are more low maintenance in the summer. A professional landscape maintenance crew can keep an eye on your landscape’s vibrancy and take care to ensure plants are getting the water they need.
Water in the Morning
The time of day you water can also make a big impact. Water in the early morning when its relatively cooler, before the high heat of the day really sets in. This will help avoid increased evaporation and allow your plants and grass to get the most moisture from the ground as possible. It’s also recommended to water near the base of the plant to encourage root growth and health.
Pull Up Weeds
Weeds use valuable nutrients in the soil. This is especially true in the summer months, when high Texas temperatures can be harsh on your landscape. Regular weeding helps root out the troublesome plants and allows your landscape access to the full nutrients available.
Stay Off the Grass
Avoid heavy foot traffic whenever possible. Grass is more fragile during high heat and walking on it — especially during high temperatures — adds more strain to the blades. A footpath or steppingstones provides a dedicated place for people to walk without causing damage to your landscape.
From proper irrigation techniques to treading lightly, taking care of your landscape comes down to ensuring your plants are getting the nutrients they need. Are you ready to beat the heat? Our qualitied landscape maintenance team is here to help you keep your landscape looking its best year-round. Contact us today and let’s see what we can do.