Summer Landscaping Tips: 10 Essential Tips for a Thriving Yard
At Scott Anderson Landscaping & Maintenance, we know summer in Northern California brings long days, warm sunshine, and the perfect opportunity to enjoy your outdoor space. But with higher temperatures and less rainfall, maintaining a healthy and beautiful landscape can be a challenge. Whether you’re managing a large estate in Napa Valley or a cozy backyard in Sonoma, the right summer landscaping strategies make all the difference.
Here are 10 summer landscaping tips to help your yard not only survive but thrive in the heat.
1. Water Early and Deeply
Watering your lawn and plants early in the morning—preferably between 5 a.m. and 9 a.m.—reduces evaporation and ensures that moisture reaches the roots where it’s needed most. Avoid watering in the evening, which can lead to fungal diseases due to prolonged moisture on leaves overnight.
Deep watering is key: it encourages roots to grow deeper into the soil, making plants more resilient during hot, dry periods. Use drip irrigation or soaker hoses for shrubs, flowers, and trees to deliver water directly to the root zone without wasting water.
2. Mulch for Moisture and Temperature Control
Mulching around your plants and garden beds helps retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. In the summer heat, it prevents roots from overheating and drying out.
Apply 2 to 4 inches of organic mulch—such as shredded bark, compost, or straw—around trees, shrubs, and flower beds. Keep mulch a few inches away from plant stems and tree trunks to avoid rot and pest issues.
3. Choose Drought-Tolerant Plants
Summer is the time to showcase plants that are adapted to thrive in hot, dry conditions. Native and drought-tolerant plants require less water and maintenance, making them a sustainable and practical choice.
Great drought-tolerant options for Northern California include:
Lavender
California poppies
Yarrow
Manzanita
Agave
Sedum
These plants not only save water but add beauty and color to your landscape all summer long.
4. Mow Smartly
Raise your mower blade to keep your grass a bit longer in the summer—about 3 to 4 inches tall. Taller grass shades the soil, reduces evaporation, and develops deeper roots. Never cut more than one-third of the grass blade at a time, as scalping can stress your lawn and make it more vulnerable to heat and drought.
Also, sharpen your mower blades regularly for clean cuts that reduce stress on your turf.
5. Fertilize with Care
Too much fertilizer in the summer can burn your lawn or plants, especially during heatwaves. If fertilizing, use a slow-release, organic fertilizer that delivers nutrients gradually over time.
Apply fertilizer in early summer and avoid doing so during extremely hot spells. Make sure your lawn or plants are well-watered before and after application to prevent root burn.
6. Install or Update Irrigation Systems
An efficient irrigation system is your best friend in the summer. If you're still hand-watering or relying on outdated sprinklers, consider upgrading to a smart irrigation system that adjusts based on weather and soil moisture.
Drip systems and micro-sprayers are ideal for beds and gardens, while programmable sprinklers work well for lawns. At Scott Anderson Landscaping, we can install or fine-tune irrigation systems to maximize water efficiency and landscape health.
7. Watch for Heat Stress and Pests
Plants can wilt or become discolored under prolonged heat stress. Check your garden regularly for signs like:
Drooping or curled leaves
Brown edges
Leaf scorch
Rapidly drying soil
Summer is also peak season for pests like aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. Regular inspection and prompt treatment with organic or integrated pest management (IPM) methods can prevent small issues from turning into major infestations.
8. Create Shade Where Needed
Just like people, plants can get sunburned. Use shade cloth, trellises with climbing vines, or strategically placed trees and shrubs to provide partial shade to delicate plants or vegetable beds.
Planting trees that provide shade in the afternoon can also lower the temperature around your home and reduce cooling costs—making it an eco-friendly win-win.
9. Maintain Hardscape Features
Summer is a great time to check on your patios, pavers, walkways, and retaining walls. Look for signs of cracking, loose stones, or settling. Power wash dirty surfaces and remove weeds growing between pavers.
At Scott Anderson Landscaping, we specialize in designing and maintaining outdoor living areas. A clean and well-maintained hardscape boosts curb appeal and ensures safety for summer gatherings and relaxation.
10. Plan Ahead for Fall Planting
Summer is a time of maintenance, but it’s also the perfect season to plan for future landscaping projects. Start thinking about:
Installing a new garden bed
Updating your irrigation
Adding outdoor lighting
Planting shade trees
Fall is one of the best seasons for planting in Northern California because the soil is still warm, and the cooler weather helps roots establish. Planning now ensures you’re ready to act when the time comes.
Trust Scott Anderson Landscaping & Maintenance
Summer doesn’t have to be a stressful time for your yard. With the right care and expert support, your landscape can look vibrant, healthy, and welcoming all season long. At Scott Anderson Landscaping & Maintenance, we bring over 20 years of experience to every project, from large estate gardens to compact urban landscapes.
Whether you need help with irrigation, plant care, hardscape maintenance, or a full summer landscaping strategy, our team is here to help. Reach out today for a free consultation and let us help your outdoor space shine—this summer and beyond.