Surviving the Sizzle: How to Protect Your Landscape from the Brutal Oklahoma Heat

Anyone who's lived in Oklahoma for even a short period knows our summer weather is no joke. The scorching Oklahoma sun paired with our unpredictable rainfall patterns can really throw our green spaces for a loop. But fear not! As your go-to source for all things landscaping and lawn care in Oklahoma, we're here to help you understand and combat the adverse effects of excessive heat on your landscapes.

The two most potent threats to Oklahoma landscapes are our brutal heat and the distressing lack of rainfall. Together, they can cause severe damage to the plants, shrubs, and trees that give our homes their charming curb appeal. One minute your garden's lush and green, and the next, it's wilting and brown. But here's the good news: there are strategies to help your plants survive and thrive, even under these extreme conditions.

Hydration, Hydration, Hydration!

We can't stress enough the importance of proper irrigation for your plants during the Oklahoma summer. Just as you wouldn't venture into the July heat without a water bottle, your plants need regular hydration to stay healthy. Proper irrigation is not just about giving plants water; it's about doing it the right way. Early morning or late evening watering can prevent evaporation, ensuring the moisture goes to your thirsty plants rather than disappearing into the atmosphere. A drip irrigation system can be a fantastic tool to deliver water directly to the roots, where your plants need it the most.

The Magic of Mulch

Mulch is a game-changer when it comes to protecting your Oklahoma landscapes. Besides giving your garden a neat, polished look, mulch retains soil moisture, shields roots from excessive heat, and slows down the weed growth. An application of two to four inches of organic mulch can drastically improve your plant's chances of surviving our tough Oklahoma summers.

Patience with Trees

It's tough to see the majestic trees that grace our Oklahoma landscapes struggle in the heat. However, it's crucial not to make hasty decisions about their survival. What looks like a dead tree may simply be a tree in distress, waiting for the temperature to drop to bounce back to life. So hold off on chopping down trees that appear lifeless. Give them a chance. They might just surprise you.

Preparing for the Cold

While we're in the thick of summer, it's hard to imagine that colder weather is just around the corner. But it is, and we need to prepare our plants for that transition. Drought and high temperatures can leave plants in a weakened state, and the cold can further stress them. To protect them, continue to provide adequate moisture and mulch. Just as you wouldn’t go out in the cold without a jacket, your plants shouldn’t face the cold without their protective mulch layer.

Remember, our beautiful landscapes are more resilient than we think, especially with a little help from their human caretakers. With proper irrigation, the magic of mulch, and a dash of patience, your Oklahoma landscape can not only survive but thrive, regardless of what our unpredictable weather throws at it.

As your trusted local landscaping and lawn care company, we're here to help you through every season. Stay cool, Oklahoma, and keep those landscapes lush and beautiful!