Summer landscaping starts with strategy

By Dani Sheehan. 

Deliver outdoor spaces that are lush, low-maintenance and environmentally conscious this season. 

As the summer heat sets in, landscaping professionals are tasked with creating outdoor spaces that are not only beautiful, but sustainable and smart. With water conservation and climate resiliency more important than ever, your summer strategy should be built around intentional design and efficient water use. Here’s how you can deliver high-performance landscapes that thrive all summer long. 

Design with purpose 

Before you start planting shrubs, take the time to understand how the space will be used. Is it a play area for kids? A shady retreat? A pollinator-friendly garden? Matching the design to the client’s goals ensures longevity and satisfaction. 

Key design strategies: 

• Plan before you plant: Sketch out your layout, note sun exposure, soil type and wind patterns. Group plants with similar needs together for a balanced, efficient system. 
• Hydrozone strategically: Separating plants by their water needs simplifies irrigation and reduces overwatering.  
• Choose regionally appropriate plants: Native and drought-tolerant species thrive with less intervention. They’re also naturally resistant to local pests and diseases. 
• Use turf with intention: Lawns should serve a clear purpose. Reduce turf areas in favor of mulched beds or permeable hardscapes when possible. 

Pro tip: Offer clients design refreshes that reduce turf, increase biodiversity and improve water efficiency. 

Work with water 

In summer, every drop counts. Your irrigation and soil strategies should focus on deep root growth, moisture retention and smart delivery. 

Water-smart tactics: 

• Water deeply and less frequently: This encourages root growth and minimizes surface evaporation. 
• Mulch like a pro: A two-to-three-inch layer of mulch helps soil retain moisture, regulates temperature and blocks weeds. It’s like sunscreen for the soil. 
• Improve soil health: Test soil regularly and use compost to boost moisture retention and nutrient content. 
• Install smart irrigation: Drip irrigation systems with weather sensors and timers are more efficient than traditional sprinklers. 
• Aerate and amend: For compacted or sandy soils, improve infiltration and water-holding capacity with proper aeration and soil amendments. 

Pro tip: Mid-summer is a perfect time to refresh mulch and inspect irrigation systems for leaks or inefficiencies. 

When you lay the groundwork with purpose and efficiency, you set your clients, and their landscapes, up for long-term growth.