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Summertime is fun time!
Taking care of a lawn, yard, trees, and landscape in the Texas Permian Basin during the summer requires special attention due to our intense heat, dry conditions, and occasional drought restrictions. With the certain high temperatures, water conservation and heat protection become essential. A healthy landscape in our area demands both strategic planning and consistent maintenance to keep greenery alive and attractive throughout the season.
Key must do list:
- Keep debris out of flowerbeds, around trees and off the lawn
- Apply pre-emergent weed control
- Fertilize appropriately for your grass type
- Mow as needed (with sharp blades!)
- Water wisely as temps rise
I've put together some helpful tips and reminders to keep your on track. But if you'd rather leave it to the pros, Lawn and Tree Tech is here to help. Just give me a call at 432-934-1104 and let’s talk about your lawn, your goals, and how we can keep your yard healthy and beautiful all year long.
SUMMERTIME lawn care Tips
✅ 1. The Best Grass
- Choose Drought-Tolerant Grass. Opt for heat-resistant varieties like Bermuda, Buffalo, or Zoysia grass that thrive in West Texas conditions.
✅ 2. Mow High, Not Low
- Keep mower blades high (2.5–3 inches) to shade soil, reduce evaporation, and encourage deeper root growth.
✅ 3. Water Early and Deeply
- Water before 10 a.m., 1–2 times per week, applying about 1 inch of water each time. Avoid shallow, frequent watering.
✅ 4. Follow Local Watering Schedules
- Check with your city (e.g., Midland or Odessa) for any watering restrictions or set days/times to irrigate.
✅ 5. Use Mulch to Retain Moisture
- Apply mulch around trees, flower beds, and shrubs to keep soil cool and conserve water.
✅ 6. Sharpen Mower Blades
- Dull blades tear grass, increasing water loss and disease risk. Sharpen blades every 4–6 weeks.
✅ 7. Watch for Pests and Disease
- Heat-stressed lawns are vulnerable to grubs, chinch bugs, and fungus—monitor closely and treat early if needed.
✅ 8. Consider Xeriscaping for Problem Areas
- Replace hard-to-maintain areas with drought-tolerant landscaping or decorative rock to reduce water use.
✅ 9. Leave Grass Clippings
- Let clippings fall—this provides natural nutrients and acts as light mulch.
✅ 10. Inspect Irrigation Systems
- Check for leaks, broken sprinkler heads, or inefficient zones—every drop counts in West Texas heat.
✅ 11. Avoid Fertilizing in Peak Heat
- Delay fertilization until cooler months. Summer fertilizing can burn grass or promote growth that struggles in heat.
🌸Landscaping Tips
Xeriscaping, or low-water-use landscaping, is becoming increasingly popular in our area. Using native and drought-resistant plants such as Texas Sage, Red Yucca, or Lantana can provide vibrant color without heavy water needs. Rock features, mulch beds, and decomposed granite paths not only reduce water usage but also add visual interest and help prevent erosion. Regular weeding and pest control will ensure that your landscape remains tidy and healthy even in the harshest summer conditions.
✅ 1. Use Native and Drought-Tolerant Plants
- Choose species like Texas Sage, Red Yucca, Lantana, and Desert Willow that naturally thrive in arid West Texas conditions.
✅ 2. Apply 2–4 Inches of Mulch
- Mulch around plants and trees helps retain moisture, control weeds, and keep roots cooler during extreme heat.
✅ 3. Water Deep, Not Often
- Check with your city (e.g., Midland or Odessa) for any watering restrictions or set days/times to irrigate.
✅ 4. Install or Upgrade Drip Irrigation
- Drip systems deliver water directly to roots, which reduces waste and complies better with local water restrictions.
✅ 5. Group Plants by Water Needs
- Create “hydrozones” by grouping plants with similar watering requirements together—this increases water efficiency.
✅ 6. Avoid Pruning During Peak Heat
- Only remove dead or damaged limbs; aggressive summer pruning can stress plants and encourage sunscald.
✅ 7. Incorporate Hardscape Features
- Add pathways, rock beds, or decorative gravel to reduce grassy areas and water demand while enhancing curb appeal.
✅ 8. Use Reflective or Light-Colored Mulch or Stone
- These materials reflect sunlight and reduce soil temperatures compared to dark mulches or bare soil.
✅ 9. Watch for Heat Stress
- Signs like wilting, scorched edges, or premature leaf drop may signal the need for more water or protection from sun.
✅ 10. Weed Regularly
- Weeds compete for water and nutrients. Pull them before they spread, especially after rain or irrigation.
✅ 11. Consider Wind Protection
- Install windbreaks (like hedges or fencing) to reduce moisture loss from plants exposed to hot West Texas winds.
✅ 12. Choose Low-Maintenance Ground Cover
- Replace struggling grass with ground cover plants like Dalea, Trailing Rosemary, or Sedum to reduce upkeep and water needs.
These tips can help you create a sustainable, attractive landscape that can survive—and even thrive—under the harsh summer conditions of the Permian Basin.
Let us do the work for you!
At Lawn and Tree Tech, we are working year-round to prepare for the next season. We stay one step ahead for our customers to ensure they have a beautiful year-round landscape. Maintaining a beautiful outdoor space is a year-round multi-stepped process. Contact me today for a free consultation! (432) 934-1104