Arlington summers are legendary – and not always in a good way for our landscapes. The intense sun, soaring temperatures, and potential drought conditions can turn a lush, green yard into a stressed, brown patch seemingly overnight. If you’re watching your lawn wilt and your plants struggle, you’re not alone. But don’t despair! Keeping your landscape healthy through the Texas heat is achievable with the right strategies.
At G & V Landscaping Service, we’re not just landscapers; we’re Arlington locals who understand the unique challenges our climate presents. We’ve helped countless homeowners maintain beautiful, resilient yards even during the peak of summer. Here are our essential tips to protect your valuable landscape investment:
1. Water Wisely: Deeper is Better
This is the cornerstone of summer landscape survival in Arlington.
- Water Deeply, Less Frequently: Instead of short, daily sprinkles, aim for longer watering sessions 1-3 times per week (depending on rainfall and restrictions). This encourages deep root growth, making plants more drought-resistant. Shallow watering keeps roots near the surface, where they dry out quickly.
- Early Morning is Key: Water between 4 AM and 10 AM. This minimizes evaporation loss due to heat and wind, and allows foliage to dry before nightfall, reducing disease risk.
- Know Your Soil & Plants: Clay soils (common in parts of Arlington) absorb water slowly, so “cycle and soak” methods (watering for a short period, letting it soak in, then watering again) can prevent runoff. Different plants have different needs – turfgrass needs more consistent moisture than established native shrubs.
- Check Your System: Ensure sprinklers are hitting their target areas, not sidewalks or driveways. Check for leaks or clogged heads. An efficient system is crucial.
- Monitor Arlington Water Restrictions: Always stay informed about and adhere to the City of Arlington’s current watering schedules and guidelines. G & V Landscaping Service stays up-to-date and can help manage your irrigation accordingly.
2. Mulch is Your Landscape’s Best Friend
Never underestimate the power of a good layer of mulch!
- Retains Moisture: A 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch (like shredded hardwood, cedar, or pine bark) acts like a sponge, significantly reducing water evaporation from the soil surface.
- Regulates Soil Temperature: Mulch insulates the soil, keeping roots cooler during scorching days.
- Suppresses Weeds: It blocks sunlight, preventing many weeds from germinating – weeds that compete with your plants for precious water.
- Improves Soil: As organic mulch breaks down, it adds valuable nutrients to the soil.
3. Adjust Your Mowing Habits
How you mow makes a big difference in summer.
- Mow Higher: Raise your mower blade! Taller grass blades provide more shade for the soil, reducing evaporation and keeping roots cooler. For St. Augustine or Bermuda grass common in Arlington, aim for 3-4 inches.
- Keep Blades Sharp: Dull blades tear grass, causing stress and making it more susceptible to heat damage and disease. Sharp blades make clean cuts.
- Don’t Mow Stressed Grass: If your lawn looks wilted or dry, hold off on mowing until it recovers slightly after watering.
4. Choose the Right Plants (and Care for Them)
While we want to protect what you have, long-term success in Arlington involves smart plant choices.
- Heat & Drought-Tolerant Species: Incorporate native Texas plants or well-adapted species known to thrive in our heat (think Esperanza, Lantana, Salvia Greggii, Yucca, certain ornamental grasses). G & V Landscaping Service can recommend beautiful, resilient options.
- Group Plants by Water Needs: Place plants with similar watering requirements together to make irrigation more efficient.
- Avoid Heavy Pruning & Fertilizing: Don’t add extra stress during peak heat. Light pruning is okay, but save heavy cuts for cooler weather. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers in mid-summer, which can encourage weak growth prone to burning.
5. Don’t Forget Container Plants!
Pots and containers dry out much faster than garden beds. Check them daily, sometimes even twice daily during extreme heat waves. Ensure they have good drainage but water thoroughly until it runs out the bottom.
When the Heat is Too Much: Call Arlington’s Experts
Implementing these tips takes time and effort, especially during a busy summer. Sometimes, despite your best efforts, the Texas heat wins a battle. That’s where G & V Landscaping Service steps in.
We are Arlington’s premier landscaping service because we combine local expertise with a commitment to exceptional results. We can:
- Optimize your irrigation system for maximum efficiency and water conservation.
- Provide professional lawn care services tailored to Arlington’s summer needs.
- Install the right mulch to protect your beds.
- Recommend and install heat-tolerant plants that thrive locally.
- Develop a customized landscape maintenance plan to keep your property looking its best year-round.
Don’t let the Arlington summer heat defeat your beautiful landscape. Protect your investment and enjoy your outdoor space.
Ready for a thriving, heat-resistant yard? Contact G & V Landscaping Service today for a free consultation and quote. Let us show you why we’re the trusted choice for landscaping in Arlington, TX!