Glen Payne, Urban Horticulture Agent, Beaufort County
The summer heat is upon us, and the dog days of summer have arrived. All the work put into the yard and garden should be paid in dividends now. Two things can be done to provide insurance that your yard and garden stay looking their best as the heat cranks up. Adding 2-3 inches of hardwood mulch in ornamental planting beds and around trees has benefits. Mulch will keep the weed pressure down and prevent them from taking nutrients from other plants, help retain needed moisture at the root zone, prevent landscaping equipment from damaging plant material by creating a buffer between the plants and equipment, and create a rich environment for beneficial soil microbes. Remember that the mulch should be applied at least 6 inches from the trunks of plants, preventing moisture from saturating the bark and becoming an entry point for diseases.
Turf health is essential as summer temperatures heat up. Keep turf healthy by applying usable irrigation at the right time. One inch of water per week is adequate for healthy growth. Irrigating at night is a strategy to help plant roots receive water, so that it is most effective and not lost to evaporation and is better absorbed. The leaves and soil can dry out, helping prevent fungal diseases from spreading. Now that temperatures are over 80 degrees Fahrenheit, iron may be applied in the morning, keeping turf green without mowing as often as when adding nitrogen. Water iron applications after applying to make good soil contact and prevent leaf blades from being damaged. Know the turf type and proper mowing height when cutting to reduce stress and aid the turf in resisting fungal infections and recovering from insect damage. https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/mowing-lawns/ Using sharp mower blades reduces the brown appearance of cut turf and makes a clean cut that will heal quicker than a dull mower blade that rips and tears turf.
Other items to consider include:
- Applying sunscreen, wearing personal protective equipment while working outdoors & knowing where a First-Aid kit is located. https://hgic.clemson.edu/uv-safety-month-tips-to-stay-safe-in-the-sun/
- Scout plants & turf weekly for the presence of disease and insect damage. Using an Integrated Pest Management plan for control, https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/integrated-pest-management-ipm/
- Now you are ready…take time to admire & enjoy all the efforts put into the landscape.
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