Monday, August 3rd – Surviving the Dog Days of Summer: Helping Your Landscape Through August Heat

Hi friends, Brinx here.

I've been conducting a very scientific experiment this week. Every time the sun comes out, I move to another shady spot. Results? Shade wins every time.

While I'm staying cool, your lawn, trees, and landscape are working extra hard to survive one of the hottest months of the Kansas year.

☀️ Why August Is So Stressful for Landscapes

By August, plants have been growing for several months and have likely endured:

• Long stretches of high temperatures

• Intense afternoon sunshine

• Heavy summer storms

• Periods of drought

This combination can weaken even healthy landscapes if they aren't properly maintained.

How to Reduce Heat Stress

Water Deeply
Instead of watering every day, provide longer watering sessions a few times each week. Deep watering encourages roots to grow farther into the soil.

Watch Newly Installed Plants
Trees, shrubs, and flowers planted this spring often need supplemental watering throughout their first summer.

Avoid Heavy Pruning
Removing too much foliage during extreme heat exposes plants to sunburn and additional stress.

Keep Mulch Fresh
Two to three inches of mulch helps regulate soil temperature and slows moisture loss.

Farmer's Almanac Tip

August often brings extended hot, humid periods across Kansas before cooler nights begin arriving later in the month. Continue monitoring rainfall instead of assuming occasional thunderstorms provide enough moisture.

Brinx's Backyard Tip

If I'm stretching out under the biggest tree in the yard, your plants probably wish they had a little extra protection too.

Why It Matters

Helping your landscape survive August means stronger plants heading into fall, when root growth becomes one of the most active periods of the year.