July in Houston is defined by scorching temperatures, high humidity, and intense sun—conditions that can put even the healthiest landscapes to the test. For commercial properties, maintaining curb appeal and plant health through the hottest part of the year requires smart planning and proactive maintenance.
Here’s how you can beat the heat and keep your commercial landscape thriving during the peak of summer.
Increase Watering Efficiency
The heat can dry out soil quickly, especially in full-sun areas. However, overwatering or watering at the wrong time can be just as damaging. Focus on irrigation best practices:
• Water deeply but less frequently to encourage deep root growth
• Schedule irrigation during early morning hours to reduce evaporation
• Monitor for runoff or oversaturation, particularly in shady or compacted areas
LMC Houston offers irrigation audits and smart controller installations to ensure your system is precise and responsive to current conditions.
Prioritize Plant Health
Plants under heat stress are more vulnerable to pests and disease. Maintain consistent care:
• Fertilize sparingly, as excess nutrients can burn plants in high heat
• Deadhead flowers and remove yellowing leaves
• Prune back damaged or overgrown growth to improve airflow
Our maintenance teams at LMC tailor their summer plant care protocols to match each plant variety’s needs while preserving landscape aesthetics.
Monitor Turf Closely
Grass is particularly susceptible to July heat. Common issues include:
• Browning due to dehydration
• Fungal diseases like dollar spot or brown patch
• Compaction from increased foot traffic
To keep turf strong:
• Mow at a higher blade height to retain moisture
• Avoid mowing during the hottest part of the day
• Aerate compacted areas if needed
LMC’s teams monitor turf conditions across client properties and adjust treatments accordingly.
Refresh Mulch and Groundcover
By now, your spring mulch may be thin or broken down. Adding a fresh layer of mulch provides insulation for plant roots, suppresses weeds, and helps retain soil moisture.
Be sure to:
• Use organic mulch like pine bark or hardwood chips
• Maintain a 2-3 inch depth
• Keep mulch pulled back from tree trunks and plant stems to avoid rot
Summer Safety for Properties
Aside from aesthetics, summer landscape maintenance is a matter of safety:
• Trim overgrown shrubs around walkways for visibility
• Repair cracked or uneven hardscape that can become hazardous in dry conditions
• Remove debris and leaf litter that can create slippery surfaces when wet
Final Thoughts: Smart Summer Strategies for Long-Term Success
A commercial landscape is a living investment. With proper care during Houston’s hottest months, you can ensure it continues to enhance your property’s value, image, and functionality.
Need a summer landscape strategy tailored to your property? Contact LMC Houston to schedule a consultation and keep your landscape looking sharp all season long.
