Summer Landscaping Tips: Protect Your Landscape from Heat Waves

Marti Albor
Aug 8
4 min read

Updated: Sep 25

Summer heat waves are becoming more intense and frequent, and your landscape feels the burn. Wilting plants, sun-scorched lawns, and dry, compacted soil can quickly undo months of hard work. But with the right strategies and the expert support of Earth Scapes Landscaping, you can maintain a lush, healthy yard that thrives in extreme temperatures.

Here’s our five summer landscaping tips to heat-proof your outdoor space.

1. Water Smarter, Not Harder

Hand holding yellow hose spraying water onto vibrant pink flowers in a sunlit garden. Bright, lush greenery in the background.

When to water: The best time to water is early in the morning, between 5 AM and 9 AM, before the sun rises high and temperatures climb. Early watering:

Minimizes evaporation loss
Allows plants to fully hydrate before facing the day’s heat
Reduces the risk of fungal diseases that come from overnight dampness

How to water:

Deep and infrequent watering promotes stronger root systems. For lawns, this typically means one or two long watering sessions per week.
Avoid overhead sprinklers for garden beds, as wet foliage in the sun can lead to leaf burn. Use drip irrigation or soaker hoses for precision.

2. Mulch Like a Pro

Why mulch matters in heat: Mulch acts as a natural blanket, protecting your soil and plant roots from summer extremes. A proper mulch layer:

Reduces soil evaporation by up to 70%
Keeps soil temperatures stable (often 10–20°F cooler)
Suppresses weed growth, which competes for moisture
Improves soil structure and fertility over time

Best types of mulch:

Shredded hardwood bark – long-lasting and attractive
Pine straw – great for acid-loving plants like azaleas
Compost – adds nutrients while retaining moisture
Decorative rock mulch – ideal for xeriscaping and low-maintenance beds

How much to use: Apply 2–4 inches of mulch. Be sure to keep it a few inches away from stems and tree trunks to prevent moisture-related rot and pests.

Earth Scapes Services: Our mulch installation services include delivery, expert application, and custom recommendations based on your plant palette and soil type.

3. Mow Tall, Not Tight

Mowing low = lawn stress. Cutting your grass too short in a heat wave weakens the root system, exposes soil to direct sunlight, and invites weed growth. Instead:

Raise your mower blades to 3–3.5 inches for cool-season grasses and 2–3 inches for warm-season grasses.
Mow in the cooler parts of the day and never remove more than one-third of the grass height in one session.
Leave grass clippings on the lawn (mulching mode) to return nutrients and lock in moisture.

Earth Scapes Services: Let our trained crews handle weekly or biweekly mowing with professional equipment, tailored blade heights, and edging that keeps your lawn neat and healthy, even during droughts.

4. Choose the Right Plants

Colorful wildflowers, including pink, orange, and yellow blooms, under a vibrant blue sky. Lush greenery creates a serene garden scene.

Survival starts with smart plant selection. Plants native to your region or bred for drought resistance are naturally equipped to handle high heat and minimal rainfall.

Top Summer Survivors:

Perennials:

Lavender – loves sun, minimal water needs
Russian Sage – long-blooming and tough
Echinacea (Coneflower) – pollinator-friendly and heat-hardy
Yarrow – spreads easily, tolerates poor soil

Annuals:

Zinnias – burst of color with low water requirements
Lantana – vibrant and butterfly-attracting
Portulaca – succulent groundcover with nonstop blooms

Ornamentals:

Blue Fescue – compact, drought-hardy grass
Agave and Sedum – architectural and nearly indestructible
Muhly Grass – adds motion and elegance to dry landscapes

Earth Scapes Services: Our design team creates customized plant plans based on sun exposure, soil type, and your personal style. We source hardy, nursery-grade plants and install them for long-term success.

5. Best Summer Landscaping Tip: Build Smart Shade with Hardscaping

Terrace garden with lit stone planters at dusk, stairs leading up. Blue and orange pots with flowers add color. Peaceful and serene.

Hardscaping isn’t just for aesthetics; it plays a vital role in reducing heat impact across your property. Structures like pergolas and pathways allow you to redirect sun exposure, reduce lawn areas that need watering, and enjoy your yard even on the hottest days.

Functional hardscaping ideas:

Pergolas or gazebos: Add partial shade to dining areas, hot tubs, or patios
Shade sails: Low-cost, modern option for decks or playgrounds
Stone pavers & gravel paths: Reduce turf and reflect heat
Retaining walls: Create cooler microclimates for plants at different levels
Boulders and benches: Anchor garden beds while offering shaded resting spots

Earth Scapes Design + Build: Our hardscape specialists craft elegant, durable installations that integrate with your existing landscape. Whether you're adding a small seating nook or a full backyard structure, we’ll handle everything from planning to permits.

Soil Health & Summer Prep

Don’t forget your soil. Hot, dry weather can compact soil and lock out essential air and water.

Quick summer soil tips:

Aerate compacted lawns to increase water absorption
Add compost or worm castings to garden beds before a heat wave
Test your soil’s pH and nutrients for targeted amendments

Earth Scapes Services: We offer soil testing and enhancement services, including aeration, compost topdressing, and organic soil amendments to prepare your lawn and garden for summer resilience.

Choose Earth Scapes Landscaping: Your Partner in Summer Landscape Protection!

Earth Scapes Landscaping is more than just a service; we’re your partner in creating a landscape that’s built to last. With years of experience, region-specific knowledge, and a reputation for precision and care, we take pride in helping our clients enjoy their outdoor spaces.