Wilted and withered, Summer began to rot on the vine. Her once dewy, fresh face grew sallow and somber under the impossible weight of hot, humid temperatures and lack of moisture. Her youth and vigor were fading fast.
As season’s change and weather cycles, rain can seemingly turn off after months of heavy precipitation. And, although, statistically above average for the year, a few consecutive weeks without any moisture can be harmful to our plants, lawns and trees, especially when temperatures are consistently hot.
It may be a bit preemptive; however, a decision should be made now regarding your lawn. When water is scarce and weather is hot and dry, lawns go dormant. It’s what they do. It’s a form of hibernation, a defense mechanism, if you will. Therefore, you must either decide to let the lawn go dormant or commit to watering. If you start watering, you must continue, at least until consistent rains arrive. Watering here and there actually does more damage than not watering at all. Here’s why.
Newly planted shrubs, perennials or trees should be carefully monitored. They are more susceptible than established plants and often suffer from leaf scorch during periods of hot, dry weather. They need about 1″ of water per week . Plain and simple.
Plants with deeper root systems, like Geraniums and many native plants, and prairie grasses require a longer soak and should be mulched to help maintain moisture. Roots make up about a 1/4 to a 1/3 of the total dry weight of a plant. Consider employing a soaker hose.
Trees too generally have deeper root systems, but they are more extensive and capable or reaching other water sources underground. Perennials and annuals aren’t as extensive and therefore require supplemental watering.
Remove water competitors, like weeds, who are fighting for the same moisture your other plants and lawn need.
Watering should be done either early in the morning before temperatures rise and winds pick up, OR early in the evening. Keep in mind, foliage needs time to dry before nightfall, so do not wait until dusk and never water at night.
Never employ water from a hose that was left in the sun. Water temperatures inside a hot hose can potentially damage plants. Always store hoses in cool, shaded areas where optimal temperatures are maintained for watering.
We may not technically be in a drought yet, but these methods can be employed throughout the season when rain is scarce. Feel free to reach out to Sweeney’s for additional tips or assistance with any of your landscape, gardening and/or watering needs
Plant of the Week
Rose Wine Salvia
Upright, spiky wine-colored flowers bloom atop grayish-green foliage June – September. Prefers full sun and moist, well-drained soil. Grows in a lovely mounded clump 12-18″ tall and 8-12″ wide. Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds. Drought tolerant. Deer and rabbit resistant.
“Men are mortal. So are ideas. An idea needs propagation as much as a plant needs watering. Otherwise both will wither and die.”
-B. R. Ambedkar
Best wishes,
Kim Sweeney