Learn how you can maintain your landscape during a heat wave this summer.
Heat waves can be extremely stressful for your landscape, causing plants to wilt, lawns to brown, and soil to dry out rapidly. At Scientific Plant Service, we understand the challenges of maintaining a healthy lawn and garden during these periods of extreme heat. Here are some essential tips to keep your grass, trees, and gardens hydrated and intact even when the temperatures soar.
Keeping Lawns Hydrated
Lawns can quickly show signs of stress during a heat wave, but with proper care, you can help it survive and recover:
- Water Deeply and Infrequently: Water your lawn deeply but less frequently to support deep root growth. When the soil dries, water to moisten the top 6 inches., Apply in the early morning or early evening to minimize evaporation.
- Raise Mower Height: Set your mower blades higher to leave grass at least three inches tall. Taller grass helps shade the soil, reducing evaporation and protecting roots from the intense heat.
- Avoid Mowing During Peak Heat: Mow during the cooler parts of the day to reduce stress on your grass. Mowing during a heat wave can further stress the lawn, so consider mowing less frequently.
Maintaining Your Trees
Trees are a long-term investment in your landscape, and they require special attention during heat waves:
- Water established trees and shrubs with overhead sprinklers. The root zone extends at a distance 2 to 4 times the tree’s crown
- Apply deep watering over the entire root zone area until the top 6 to 9 inches of soil are moist.
- Allow the soil to dry between waterings
- Avoid light watering as this promotes shallow root systems that are susceptible to summer heat and drought stress.
- Water early in the morning to minimize water loss due to evaporation and wind drift.
- Mulching around the base of trees and shrubs helps them take in water and stay healthy.
Prevent Damage to Garden Beds
Your garden beds need careful attention to withstand the heat and remain productive:
- Use Soaker Hoses or Drip Irrigation. These systems deliver water directly to the roots with minimal evaporation. To maximize efficiency, set them to run in the early morning or evening. Allow soil to dry between waterings.
- Mulch Garden Beds: A layer of mulch (2-3 inches) around your plants will help retain soil moisture and keep roots cool. Organic mulches like straw, wood chips, or compost work best. Do not pile mulch against plant stems.
- Shade Vulnerable Plants: Consider using shade cloths or temporary shading structures to protect sensitive plants from the harsh afternoon sun.
Adjusting Watering and Mowing Habits
During a heat wave, it’s crucial to adapt your usual gardening practices to protect your landscape:
- Water Wisely: Adjust your irrigation schedule to water deeply and less frequently. Avoid watering in the hottest part of the day to reduce evaporation and ensure water reaches the roots.
- Skip the Fertilizer: Avoid applying fertilizer during extreme heat. Fertilizers can stress plants further and promote growth that the plants may not be able to support during high temperatures.
- Monitor Soil Moisture: Regularly check soil moisture levels. If the soil is dry a few inches below the surface, it’s time to water.
- Alter Mowing Practices: Raise your mower blade and mow less frequently. Grass that’s left longer shades the soil and helps conserve moisture.
By implementing these strategies, you can help your landscape endure the challenges of a heat wave and emerge healthy and vibrant once cooler temperatures return. For more expert advice or assistance with your lawn care needs, don’t hesitate to contact us at Scientific Plant Service.
Scientific Plant Service Is Your Go-To Source In Landscape Healthcare
Scientific Plant Service, located in Baltimore, is a privately owned corporation, chartered in Maryland in 1957 by Frank J. Burke. We started as a full-service Arborists specializing in the care of shade trees and ornamental shrubs, but today we are a Lawn Care company that is a huge part of the community. From aquatic environments and snow management to deer and mole control, SPS has services tailored specifically for your lawn and landscape.
We offer services in Maryland, Washington, DC, and Virginia, including: Harford, Baltimore, Carroll, Frederick, Howard, Anne Arundel, Montgomery, Prince Georges, Talbot, Queen Anne’s, Calvert counties in MD, as well as Loudoun County, Fairfax County, Arlington, Alexandria, and Falls Church in VA. For more information, contact us online, or call us at 410-321-0970. Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Pinterest.