Summers in Texas mean more time spent outdoors and enjoying your beautiful oasis of a yard. But with the harsh sun and rising temperatures, your landscape may require some extra attention this season.

If you’re looking for some ways to keep your landscape in tip-top shape this summer, keep reading for 7 summer landscape tips to enjoy a quiet, stress-free summer in your outdoor space.

1. Use the sunshade

The sun is one of many highlights of the summer and is essential for the growth of your plants, but too much sun exposure can cause some of your landscape more harm than good.

Luckily, you can do some things to protect your plants from the heat and sun like building a shade structure or using shade cloths or row covers. You can even plant taller, sun-resistant plants in your yard to provide more shade to the others in your outdoor space. Doing this will come in handy for the mid-to-late afternoon light.

Remember to assess the sunlight patterns in your yard and strategically position shade structures or plantings to maximize their effectiveness. By optimizing shade, you can maintain a vibrant and thriving landscape even under the intense summer sun.

2. Incorporate native plants

The hot, dry conditions in Texas during the summer can be harsh on your plants, especially the plants that aren’t used to the outdoor climate.

One of the ways to alleviate some of these worries is by incorporating more native plants into your landscape. They’re more drought and stress-tolerant and require less water and maintenance. This can save you more money in the end, and add something special to your summer landscape.

When selecting native plants, consult with local nurseries, gardening centers, or horticultural experts to ensure you choose species that are appropriate for your specific area within Texas. By incorporating native plants, you can enhance the beauty of your landscape while fostering sustainability and resilience in the face of the summer heat.

3. Remove and get weeds under control

The summer is a prime time for weeds to bloom and disperse their seeds. To prevent them from blooming and becoming a larger situation to deal with in later seasons, it’s best to remove them now, especially since they become a lot harder to remove in the colder seasons.

Additionally, implementing preventive measures such as mulching can suppress weed growth by blocking sunlight and hindering their germination. Regularly inspect your garden and landscape areas for any emerging weeds, as addressing them early on is easier and more effective.

Weed control is something that can be done by yourself, or you can hire a professional to get them under control for you. If you’re looking for a local landscaper near you, take a look at our curated list of trusted contractors, here!

4. Mulch!

For many homeowners or gardeners, mulching is seen as an essential step for maintaining your landscape in the summer. It can provide numerous benefits to your garden and plants, and help you conserve the water in your plants and soil. Mulching can also help prevent weeds from sprouting which can save you more work, and save you from having to water more than you need to.

5. Mow high

Mowing your grass is a no-brainer in the summer season, but did you know that there are ample benefits for mowing high? This is when you set your mower’s blades at a high level before cutting your grass.

This will help your grass develop deeper roots which can make your landscape a lot more drought-tolerant. For climates like those in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, this is key to helping your landscape thrive.

Mowing your grass at a higher setting offers significant advantages during the summer. By allowing your grass to grow taller, it encourages the development of deeper roots, making your lawn more resilient to drought. This is particularly crucial in climates like Dallas-Fort Worth, where maintaining a drought-tolerant landscape is essential for optimal growth and health. Embrace the practice of mowing high and enjoy a lush and thriving lawn throughout the summer season.

6. Water smartly

Knowing how much to water in the summer can be a difficult situation to navigate for homeowners. After all, watering is important, but overwatering can have its cons, too.

In the summer, it’s best to maintain about one inch of water per week. During the times when it’s raining, it’s best to keep things like your irrigation controller off to save money, water, and of course, overwatering.

7. Use a soaker hose to water your foundation

During the hot summer months in Dallas-Fort Worth, your home may be prone to more foundation damage and cracks. The foundations around your home need moisture to prevent your foundation from deteriorating.

Using a soaker hose in your yard is an excellent tool to prevent the risk of any foundation problems. It can also help you maintain a consistent level of moisture around your house during the summer season and beyond.

Landscaping near me: Find a reputable landscaping company near you, the professionals know the best

Landscape and lawn care is not always an easy task for all homeowners. Whether you need help with lawn maintenance, weed or pest control, watering, and more, there are professionals out there who can help you.

The Good Contractors List has a carefully curated list of contractors in Dallas-Fort Worth and surrounding areas whom you can trust. All contractors on The Good Contractors List are carefully vetted and backed by a $10,000 guarantee so you can trust that you’re getting the service you deserve.

If you’re looking to find landscaping and lawn care contractors near you, visit us here to get connected!