Summer heat is often rough on yard spaces. Blazing sun, long dry spells, and water restrictions make it harder than ever to keep outdoor spaces looking good. Grass dries out, plants die off – gardening might prove pointless after a while. If you live in a hot climate, then it’s wise to remember that the old rules of lawn care won’t always apply.
The good news? With a few smart changes, as discussed in this post, you will create a yard that not only looks great but also holds up even during extreme heat. Below, you will learn three practical ways to improve your yard when temperatures rise.
Install Artificial Turf
Traditional grass struggles in extreme heat. It requires frequent watering, mowing, and repair. Yet, it still turns brown during the hottest months. Thankfully, there is a low-maintenance alternative: artificial turf. Artificial turf stays green no matter how high the temperature climbs.
Modern grass looks surprisingly natural. In a lot of cases, you’d never know it was fake! It also feels comfortable underfoot. You’ll save money and time without the need for watering, fertilizer, and weekly mowing. This means fewer worries during drought restrictions.
Artificial turf works particularly well in high-traffic areas – this is where real grass wears out quickly. If you’re upgrading a yard in a hot region, then options like synthetic turf in Austin are best. Such turf is designed to handle intense sun and long summers, all the while still looking polished year-round.
Select Drought-Tolerant Plants
Not all plants are built for extreme heat. Some do thrive in it, though. Think swapping out thirsty plants for drought-tolerant ones, as this will transform your space. It reduces water use, too.
It’s best to start with native plants. These are already adapted to local conditions and usually need less maintenance once established. Good choices to consider include:
- Flowering perennials
- Lavender
- Ornamental grasses
- Sage
- Succulents
These plants will handle dry soil rather well.
Group plants together depending on their water needs. This makes irrigation more efficient. In other words, say goodbye to overwatering. Add mulch around plants, too, to keep moisture locked in. Roots are kept cooler during the hottest part of the day as a result.
Plant Shade Trees
A powerful tool to cool down a yard is the shade. Well-placed trees lower surface temperatures and protect plants from harsh sunlight. Your outdoor space will be much more comfortable for people and pets because of this.
Deciduous trees – trees that shed their leaves annually – are a popular choice. They provide shade in summer and allow sunlight through in winter. Think about how the tree will grow over time when planting. This ensures you have planned where its shade will fall during the afternoon.
Trees are a long-term investment. They will need to grow before they block direct sunlight. When they do grow enough, though, you will find yourself saving on cooling costs at home.
To conclude, extreme heat won’t take away your dreams of having a beautiful yard. It is entirely possible to create an outdoor space that looks great and stays functional with the right planning.
