Optimize Your Summer Landscape With These Simple Tips

We’ve quickly entered the scorching temperatures during the midst of the dry Texas summer, and it’s likely that your landscape is bearing the consequences of the intense weather conditions. Even after preparing your yard in the springtime, it can become tricky to keep your landscape healthy and green as the rain slows and the temperatures climb throughout the next couple of months. At Weston Dean Custom Homes, we know that it can be difficult to know what measures to take to ensure that your yard will maintain its utmost condition—which is why we’ve put together a few tips and tricks to help you optimize and sustain your landscape during the scalding summertime weather. 

Give your lawn enough water

During the summer months, we spend more time in our yards compared to the other seasons—whether we’re using our lawn for cookouts, games, gatherings and more. We want the grass to look good and be healthy, but given the expected dryness and lack of rain—we can’t rely on any summer showers to keep our yards thriving and flourishing through the hot, dry season. What we can do is water, but we must water smartly to conserve our vital resource—so it’s important to know the local watering laws and restrictions. 

To use water to replenish your landscape efficiently, remember to water slowly and deeply to make sure a good amount of water is applied evenly throughout your yard. For those with sprinkler systems, instead of shallow watering every day (which is prohibited by many local laws), turn on the sprinklers once or twice a week, allowing the water to go deeper into the soil. Ideally, water should moisten the soil 6-8 inches down to help fully revive and revamp the overall health of your landscape. If you utilize water resourcefully and efficiently to hydrate your landscape throughout the drought of the summer—your yard can look better than ever before despite the harsh temperatures. 

Control the weeds

Weeds can damage the look of your lawn and cause frustration year-round. They spread vastly and can overrun the grass or plants that we want, and unfortunately, summer is peak time for certain weeds in Texas—so it’s best to get them under control before they bloom and spread seeds. Chemical weed killers aren’t recommended for Texas lawns during summer months, as post-emergence herbicides take four days in a row at 85 degrees or less—which is unlikely in many parts of our state. Used incorrectly, weed killers can damage or destroy the grass. If you do have weeds during the hottest time of the year, it’s best to pull them by hand with gardening gloves—and it’s a good idea to keep the grass mowed to remove any seed heads of weeds throughout your yard. 

Mow high

Although it may not seem crucial, a proper mowing height can do wonders for your landscape in the dry summers by shading the ground and producing less water evaporation from the soil—ultimately reducing water needs and creating a lush, green yard. Texas grass is best at three inches in the summertime, so it’s essential to raise the mower. Additionally, a sharp mower blade can help the grass look fresh and green, while a dull blade can leave jagged edges that turn brown—which can cause the lawn to look dead and dull. If you’re not comfortable doing your own mowing, or if you simply don’t have the time—leave it to the local experts, and you’ll be sure to have a healthy lawn all summer. 

Incorporate native plants

Lastly, adding in gorgeous native plants is a great way to optimize your summer landscape to the fullest extent possible. Plants native to Texas can withstand hot, dry conditions, as they are acclimated to the weather and are more drought- and stress-tolerant—leading to less water and maintenance for you as the homeowner. Including them in your landscape not only adds to the scenic value of your yard—it also significantly helps conservation efforts, as many native plants are disappearing due to urban growth. Native plants are also a great source of food for pollinating insects and butterflies, and they can protect the soil with long root systems while resisting local diseases and pests.

There’s no doubt that the summers in Texas can be a brutal time for the well-being of your landscape, but with the simple tips above and a little extra TLC—your yard will stand a good chance against the dry air and skyrocketing temperatures. Whether you’re building on your own lot or living in any of our amazing new home communities—optimizing your summer landscape will only add even more to the livability and appeal of your gorgeous forever home from Weston Dean. For any additional information or to learn more about the Weston Dean advantage, feel free to give us a call at (210) 408-9107 or contact us online at any time.