### Summer Landscape Management (June-August)

Peak Performance Season: Maintaining Health During Maximum Stress

Summer brings peak growing conditions along with heat stress, pest pressure, and maximum water demands. Strategic summer management maintains plant health while minimizing resource consumption.

June: Early Summer Optimization

Irrigation Efficiency and Water Management

1. Smart Watering Strategies Efficient Watering Principles: - Deep, infrequent watering promotes deep root growth - Water early morning (6-10 AM) to minimize evaporation - Apply 1-1.5 inches per week including rainfall - Adjust for plant type, soil, and microclimate conditions Water-Saving Technologies: - Smart irrigation controllers (save 20-50% water) - Drip irrigation for beds and containers - Rain sensors and soil moisture sensors - Drought-tolerant plant selection

2. Lawn Summer Care Program Cool-Season Grass Management: - Raise mowing height to 3-4 inches for heat stress - Reduce fertilization during hot weather - Water deeply 1-2 times per week - Apply grub control if problem exists

Warm-Season Grass Optimization: - Begin regular fertilization program - Maintain moderate mowing height (1-2.5 inches) - Increase watering frequency for establishment - Monitor for pest and disease problems

Plant Health Monitoring and Pest Management

1. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Approach Monthly Inspection Protocol: - Walk entire landscape weekly looking for problems - Identify pests correctly before treatment - Use biological controls and beneficial insects when possible - Apply targeted treatments only when necessary Common Summer Pests and Controls: - Aphids: Insecticidal soap, beneficial insects - Spider mites: Increased humidity, predatory mites - Japanese beetles: Traps, beneficial nematodes - Grubs: Beneficial nematodes, targeted insecticides

July: Heat Stress Management

Plant Stress Recognition and Response

1. Heat Stress Symptoms Warning Signs: - Wilting during hottest part of day - Leaf scorch or browning on edges - Premature leaf drop or dormancy - Reduced flowering or fruit production Heat Stress Mitigation: - Provide temporary shade for sensitive plants - Increase mulch depth around stressed plants - Apply anti-transpirant sprays to reduce water loss - Adjust irrigation to provide consistent moisture

2. Efficient Water Use During Peak Demand Water Conservation Strategies: - Group plants by water needs (hydrozoning) - Use gray water systems where legal and practical - Install rain barrels for irrigation supplement - Replace high-water plants with drought-tolerant alternatives

Maintenance Efficiency in Hot Weather

1. Work Schedule Optimization - Perform heavy work before 10 AM or after 6 PM - Stay hydrated and take frequent breaks - Use proper sun protection and clothing - Plan maintenance tasks for cooler, cloudy days

August: Late Summer Preparation

Fall Preparation Planning

1. Seed and Plant Ordering - Order cool-season grass seed for fall overseeding - Plan fall planting projects and order plants - Purchase spring-blooming bulbs for fall planting - Stock up on fall fertilizers and soil amendments

2. System Evaluation and Upgrades - Assess irrigation system efficiency and needed improvements - Plan landscape renovations for fall implementation - Evaluate plant performance and plan replacements - Budget for fall and winter maintenance needs