Summertime has arrived in Louisiana! Whether you're preparing a family crawfish boil or a neighborhood pool party, now's the time to get your yard in tip-top shape. With that said, summer landscaping in Louisiana presents unique challenges for homeowners. From watering schedules to plant selection, Greenscape Design shares five tips for tackling the southern summer!

Louisiana Summers: A Triple Threat

Before getting into summer landscaping tips, Baton Rouge homeowners must know what they’re up against. Louisiana’s summer climate is characterized by:

High Temperatures: Summer temperatures often soar into the 90s. Excessive heat means your plants may need more attention than usual.

High Humidity: Your yard loves moisture. Unfortunately, so do weeds!

Heavy Rainfall: Summer storms are frequent, providing ample water but also requiring suitable drainage solutions.

Adapting to the southern summer’s unique climate is crucial to keeping your landscape happy and healthy!

1. Use the Right Amount of Water

Finding your summer watering schedule can be tricky since the weather conditions change so often. We recommend giving your yard 1 to 1½ inches of water every week (minus rainfall). This comes up to a little more than half a gallon of water every square foot.

For an even simpler solution, you can always try the finger method. Just stick your finger 1 to 2 inches into the soil and water from there!

Related: 5 Expert Tips for Landscaping in Louisiana

2. Mulch Like You Mean It

Mulching your yard in the summer is crucial for maintaining soil moisture, reducing water evaporation, and keeping soil temperatures stable. A thick layer of mulch helps suppress weeds, which compete with your plants for water and nutrients. Additionally, as organic mulch breaks down, it enriches the soil with essential nutrients, promoting healthier plant growth and improving overall soil structure.

Bark chips, cut leaves, and straw are great mulching materials. However, avoid using grass clippings to mulch your yard. As grass decomposes, it runs the risk of nitrogenating your soil, leading to burnt roots, mold, and disease spreading through your yard.

3. Water in the Morning

Watering during the day can lead to significant water loss through evaporation, leaving your plants without adequate moisture. Consider watering early in the morning or in the evening. Additionally, the midday sun can act as a magnifying glass, scorching plants through water droplets on their surface. So, be sure to aim low, towards your plant roots, when watering.

Tip: If you’re having trouble fitting watering into your morning routine, consider asking your landscape designer to install a time-based irrigation system. That way, your plants never go without water!

4. Choose Durable Plants

With the state's extreme heat and frequent storms, it takes a tough plant to flourish in Louisiana’s summer months. Plants not suited to the intense heat and humidity may suffer from stress, resulting in poor growth. Luckily, there are plenty of options for summer-proof plants. Below are some of our favorites:

Drift Rose: Bred to equal parts manageable and beautiful, Drift Roses are a go-to for landscape designers.

GG Gerbing Azaleas: The foliage thrives in Louisiana's summer heat and humidity, showcasing lush evergreen foliage and stunning white blooms that bring a touch of magic to the state’s acidic soils.

Related: 5 Excellent Plant Choices for Louisiana Landscaping

5. Don’t Forget Drainage

Proper drainage is a summer lifesaver in Louisiana, keeping your garden vibrant despite heavy rains and storms. Without it, plants risk root rot from waterlogged soil, leading to droopy, unhappy greenery. Lack of proper drainage can also lead to damage in your home’s foundation. Expert drainage systems installation ensures water flows away, protecting your lush landscape and safeguarding your foundation.

Take on Summer Landscaping in Louisiana!

Ready to take your yard to the next level? Greenscape Design has helped hundreds of clients create the outdoor space of their dreams for over a decade. We work one-on-one with clients to create the yard of their dreams. Send us a message or call (225) 333-9680 for a free consultation from an expert designer. We can't wait to hear from you!