As we move through summer, we’re entering what is typically the warmest and driest part of the year here in northern New Jersey.
While we’ve recently received some welcome rainfall, much of it has come in heavy downpours that run off before soaking deeply into the soil. After several seasons of below-normal moisture, many landscapes are still feeling the effects.
The healthiest landscapes aren’t the ones that receive the most water—they’re the ones that use it wisely.
With that in mind, here are a few simple ways to help your landscape thrive throughout the weeks ahead:
1. Raise Your Mowing Height
During periods of heat and drought, resist the urge to cut your lawn too short. Keeping your grass at 3½ inches—or even 4 inches during the hottest weeks—helps shade the soil, reduce moisture loss, and encourage deeper, healthier roots. You should also consider mowing less frequently. A slightly taller lawn often stays greener and healthier through the summer. After all, a healthy green “shaggy” lawn looks much better than a short, dead, brown one.
2. Protect Your Soil
Healthy landscapes begin with healthy soil. Maintaining an appropriate layer of mulch or living groundcover around trees, shrubs, and planting beds acts like a natural protective blanket. Benefits include: Retaining moisture, reducing soil compaction, suppressing weeds, and preventing erosion. Healthy soil creates healthier plants, require less intervention and make you happier!
3. Water Smarter, Not Harder
When supplemental watering becomes necessary, focus on deep, consistent watering instead of frequent, shallow watering. Most established landscapes need approximately one inch of water per week, spread across several watering sessions rather than all at once. This allows moisture to reach the root zone where it’s needed most. Water is one of our most valuable natural resources, and using it wisely benefits both your landscape and our environment.
4. Give New Plantings Extra Attention
Trees and shrubs installed within the past three years are especially susceptible to heat and drought stress. One simple way to help protect them is through the application of a professional-grade organic anti-desiccant. Think of it as an antiperspirant for plants. It safely reduces moisture loss through the leaves, allowing young trees and shrubs to establish stronger root systems while better withstanding the stresses of summer.
The common thread through all of these recommendations is simple: Be proactive—not reactive. Healthy, resilient landscapes are built through consistent care before signs of stress begin to appear. Small steps taken now can make a tremendous difference throughout the rest of the season.
Fine Gardening Program: Helping Your Landscape Thrive All Year Long
Our Fine Gardening Program is designed for homeowners who want beautiful gardens without constantly wondering what needs attention next.
Through regularly scheduled visits, our team proactively cares for your landscape, helping your gardens remain healthy, vibrant, and resilient throughout every season. Working responsibly, we concentrate on keeping your plants healthy, naturally, so that not only do they look their best year round but they do so with a gentle touch on our shared earth.
Whether you’re looking to refresh existing garden beds, introduce seasonal color, attract beautiful pollinators, or enhance your outdoor living spaces, we’d love to help bring your vision to life.
If you have questions about caring for your landscape this summer—or you’re considering your next outdoor project—we’re always happy to help. It is truly a privilege to care for our clients’ properties, and we look forward to helping you enjoy a healthier, more beautiful landscape that’s both environmentally responsible and built to thrive for years to come.