These 10 landscaping tips for drought and extreme heat will be helpful for North Texas homeowners facing the challenges of protecting their landscaping during scorching weather. Landscaping during these conditions requires planning, conservation, and adaptation. This Legit Landscapes blog will share helpful tips to keep your landscaping alive and vibrant during drought and extreme heat.
Choose Native and Drought-Resistant Plants
Choose plants native to your region and naturally adapted to withstand the local climate. Native plants have evolved to cope with the normal weather patterns of an area, making them more resilient during droughts and heat waves. Drought-resistant species like succulents, cacti, lavender, and yarrow can thrive with minimal water and care.
For more information, check out these blogs and videos:
Colorful Succulents Are Great Drought-Tolerant Landscaping Options For North Texas Homeowners
Rock Landscaping Is A Drought-Resistant Landscaping Solution For Hot, Dry Months
Efficient Watering Practices
During droughts, water conservation becomes important. Use smart watering tactics to maximize the limited water available. Use a drip irrigation system or soaker hoses instead of sprinklers to deliver water directly to the plant roots, minimizing evaporation. Water your plants in the early morning or late evening when temperatures are cooler, reducing water loss to evaporation.
Mulching for Moisture Retention
Applying a layer of organic mulch around your plants helps retain soil moisture and reduce evaporation. Mulch also regulates soil temperature, keeping the roots cooler during scorching days. Use materials like wood chips, rocks, straw, or compost, and spread them around your plants, leaving a few inches of space around the stem to prevent rot.
Using rock landscaping can be very helpful during harsh, dry weather. Check out our blog: Rock Landscaping Is A Drought-Resistant Landscaping Solution For Hot, Dry Months.
Here are two more blogs about rock landscaping and its benefits:
Rock Landscaping Ideas To Add Natural Beauty To Outdoor Spaces
Fall Is The Perfect Time For North Texas Homeowners To Try Rock Landscaping
Proper Soil Preparation
Prepare your soil before planting by adding organic matter like compost. Improving the soil helps it hold moisture, which becomes essential during dry periods. This encourages healthy root growth, which makes it easier for plants to access water and nutrients.
Implement Rainwater Harvesting
Take advantage of any rainfall by implementing a rainwater harvesting system. Collecting rainwater from roofs and gutters and storing it in barrels or tanks can be a great supplementary water source during dry periods. Cover containers to prevent mosquito breeding. Rain barrels are also a great solution.
Group Plants with Similar Water Needs
Divide your landscape into watering zones based on the water needs of different plants. Grouping plants with similar water requirements together allows you to provide adequate hydration without wasting water on plants that need less.
Regular Maintenance and Pruning
Maintaining your landscape during drought and extreme heat involves regular monitoring and pruning. Remove dead or damaged plant material to conserve energy and water for the healthy parts of the plant. Pruning also encourages new growth, which helps the plant to cope with challenging conditions.
Shade
Create shaded areas in your landscape to protect plants from direct sunlight and scorching temperatures. Planting trees strategically can provide much-needed relief to sensitive plants and reduce water evaporation from the soil.
Water Efficiently
When hand-watering your plants, water the roots directly and avoid wetting the foliage. Wet leaves can lead to fungal diseases, and water droplets can magnify the sun’s rays, causing damage to the plant.
Prioritize Essential Areas
During severe drought and heat waves, keeping every part of your landscape green and lush may not be feasible. Prioritize watering essential areas like vegetable gardens, young plants, and costly flowers and plants, allowing less critical parts of your landscaping to go dormant.
Use these tips to help make your landscaping resilient to weather challenging conditions like drought and scorching temperatures. If you need help implementing any of these tips or have questions about maintaining your landscaping during hot, dry weather, contact Legit Landscapes. We would love to help.
