It doesn’t matter what you plant in your yard if you are not able to keep it thriving. During Arizona summers, the heat can be a destructive force, killing your grass, flowers and bushes. If you pay attention to your soil and give your plants the nutrients and water that they need, you will be able to enjoy all the investment you’ve put into your landscaping throughout the entire summer.
Know How to Prepare Your Soil
The high clay content in Arizona soil requires different prep work when compared to the nutrient-rich soil in the Midwest. The main concern here is that clay soil dries up quickly in the heat. If you prepare the soil by mixing in mulch, decomposed plant matter, and even grass clippings, you can prevent it from drying out as quickly.
Know How Often Your Plants Need to Be Watered
If you are working with a landscaper, be sure that you ask about the proper watering schedule for your plants. This is even more important if you have recently made additions because young plants require extra attention to thrive. Watering needs can vary by plant, so learning about the care requirements of each plant will help you care for them.
Plant Grass Early in the Summer
The best time to plant Bermuda grass is before it gets excessively hot. Once it has been planted, it will need to be fertilized regularly. You should pay attention to how dry the soil is and water your lawn whenever the topsoil is no longer damp.
Cover Vegetables with Shade
Shaded areas are significantly cooler during the summer than areas receiving direct sunlight. One of the ways that you can keep your vegetable garden healthy is to put up some form of shade where it is growing. This will reduce the likelihood that your plants will dry out and suffer from heat damage in the blazing heat.
Avoid Pruning Altogether During Summer
Summertime is the last time you want to do any pruning. The leaves and branches that you are removing provide natural forms of shade that help your plants survive the heat. If you prune them away, you will be exposing the plants’ roots and soil to more UV rays and heat. Save pruning for cooler months.
Select Heat Tolerant Plants
Some plants will do much better in the heat than others. When working with your landscaper, discuss annuals that have the ability to weather the heat. Examples include cockscomb, cacti, Mexican sunflowers, and vincas. If you adorn your lawn with plants that evolved to survive the desert heat, you will find that they are more forgiving if you make mistakes and easier to maintain over time.
What Think Green Can Do for You
If you want to make your home look beautiful from the outside, Think Green can help. We will assist you in designing a landscaping plan and do the work for you at a fair price. Learn more by giving us a call at 480-922-9497.
