How to Save Your Plants from the Arizona Heat
You’ve purchased healthy plants, and added them right where you want them in your landscaping—only to discover that the summertime temperatures are causing your plants to look dry, wilted, and unsightly. If this experience sounds familiar, you’ll be happy to know that there are some simple steps you can take to protect your landscaping from the heat.
Water Wisely
Water is essential for keeping your plants healthy, and during the hottest weeks of summer, it will be necessary to water them more often. In general, it’s best to water your plants deeply, but avoid keeping the soil soggy by running your irrigation system for too long each day. While drought-resistant plants may be able to go several days between watering sessions, non-native plants may need to be watered as often as once per day during the summer.
Add a Layer of Mulch
Mulch offers numerous benefits throughout the year, but is especially helpful in summer. Mulch helps to stop the growth of weeds, which could otherwise soak up water intended for your landscaping. In addition, mulch helps to lock moisture into your soil, keeping your plants hydrated and cutting down on the amount of water you need to use. Fine wood chips work well as mulch for shrubs and trees, while straw is ideal for vegetable gardens.
Improve the Shade in Your Yard
When you are planning out your landscaping, be sure to consider how much shade different areas of your yard will receive throughout the day. If your plants are already in the ground and you’re realizing that they could use some additional shade to protect them from the sun and heat, you can put shade cloth over them. For a long-term solution, talk to a landscaping company about planting shade trees to keep your yard cooler.
With the help of professional landscapers, you can ensure that your plants get the right balance of sun, shade, and water that they need to thrive. At Horticulture Unlimited, we offer the Tucson landscaping services you need to keep your yard looking beautiful all throughout the year. We can help you choose the best plants for the climate, and provide the care your landscaping needs to stay healthy. To find out more or to request a quote, call us at (520) 321-4678.