Beat the Heat: Top 5 Tips to Ensure Your Landscape Thrives in Dry Summer Days in Howard County

With summer heat intensifying and rainfall taking a backseat, maintaining a lush landscape in Howard County can appear challenging. However, Rhine Landscaping is here to help you navigate these tough conditions. Here are our top five detailed tips to keep your plants, flowers, and trees flourishing, even in dry summer weather.

1. Prioritize Water Management

Consistent, smart watering is key to a healthy landscape, especially during the dry season. We recommend installing a high-quality irrigation system, allowing you to control the water distribution efficiently. Water your plants early in the morning or late in the evening to reduce water loss through evaporation. Additionally, pay attention to individual plant needs, as some may require more water than others. Installing a rain sensor to your irrigation system can help prevent over-watering and conserve water during the occasional summer rain.

2. Choose Drought-Resistant Plants

Drought-resistant plants, often native to the area, can provide an aesthetic boost to your landscape while standing up to the harsh sun. Plants like Black-eyed Susans, Lavender, or Butterfly Weed are not only beautiful but also hardy enough to withstand Howard County’s hot summer. For a lush, green lawn, consider grass varieties like Bermuda grass or Buffalo grass which are known for their heat tolerance. Incorporating these types of flora into your garden can assure a vibrant landscape regardless of the scorching temperatures.

3. Mulch Generously

Mulching serves as a shield for your plants, locking in the much-needed moisture, deterring weed growth, and protecting plant roots from the harsh sun. Spread a layer of organic mulch—such as wood chips, straw, or compost—around your plants and trees. As these organic materials decompose, they enrich the soil with nutrients. Remember to keep the mulch layer about 2-3 inches thick and avoid piling it up against the trunk of trees or base of plants to prevent rot and diseases.

4. Monitor Tree Health

Despite their hardy appearance, trees can be severely affected by hot, dry weather. Regularly inspect them for signs of heat stress such as wilting, early leaf drop, or browning at the edges. Prolonged stress can lead to weakened trees, making them susceptible to diseases and pests. Deep watering can help maintain tree health. In the case of severe symptoms, consult a professional arborist. At Rhine Landscaping, we provide expert tree care services to ensure the longevity of your trees.

5. Adjust Fertilizer Use

Fertilizers provide nutrients to plants, but during dry, hot weather, they can cause more harm than good due to the risk of fertilizer burn. In such weather, plants often enter a dormant state and are less able to absorb the nutrients, leading to a buildup that could harm or kill the plant. Consider holding off on fertilizer application until more favorable weather conditions return, or opt for a slow-release or organic fertilizer, which are less likely to burn your plants.

Dealing with the summer heat can be demanding, but with careful planning and implementation, your landscape can remain healthy and vibrant. Rhine Landscaping is committed to delivering expert landscaping services and tailored advice to maintain and enhance your outdoor spaces. Contact us today and let us help you create a resilient landscape ready to thrive in any season.

 

If you need any assistance with your landscaping, or landscape maintenance plans, give us a call at 410-442-2445 or send over a message!