Keep Your Landscape Thriving
During Kansas Heat
Kansas summers are known for long stretches of hot temperatures, blazing sunshine, and dry conditions that can quickly take a toll on your lawn, trees, shrubs, and flowers. While the heat can be challenging, a few simple maintenance practices can help your landscape stay healthy and beautiful all season long.
Water the Right Way
One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make during hot weather is watering too frequently with shallow applications. While it may seem like you're helping your plants, frequent light watering actually encourages shallow root systems that struggle during extreme heat. Instead, water deeply and less often. Deep watering encourages roots to grow deeper into the soil, where moisture lasts longer, making plants more resilient during dry periods.
For most landscapes, it’s recommended to avoid watering during the hottest part of the afternoon, when much of the moisture evaporates before reaching the roots. Water early in the morning whenever possible, and aim for about one inch of water per week, adjusting for rainfall. Trees and shrubs benefit especially from slow, deep watering around the drip line instead of directly against the trunk.
Don't Forget About Mulch
Mulch does far more than make your flower beds look polished. It serves as one of the best defenses for your landscape against summer heat. A two- to three-inch layer of mulch helps retain soil moisture, keep roots cooler, reduce weed growth, and prevent rapid temperature fluctuations in the soil. Organic mulches such as shredded hardwood or bark gradually break down and improve soil quality over time. Brady Nursery recommends all-bark Cedar mulch. It will mat down and hold together to resist washing away. Be careful not to pile mulch against tree trunks or shrub stems. Instead, leave a few inches of space around the base to prevent moisture buildup and potential disease issues.
Keep an Eye on Newly Planted Trees and Shrubs
New plants haven't yet developed the extensive root systems needed to handle prolonged heat and drought. Even drought-tolerant varieties need extra attention during their first growing season. Check newly planted trees and shrubs every few days during periods of extreme heat. Signs of heat stress include wilting leaves, curling foliage, premature leaf drop, and browning leaf edges. Catching these symptoms early can prevent long-term damage. If the soil several inches below the surface feels dry, it's time to water deeply.
Know When Plants Are Just Protecting Themselves
Not every wilted plant is in trouble. Many plants temporarily wilt during the hottest part of the afternoon, even when soil moisture is adequate. This is a natural response that helps reduce water loss. Before reaching for the hose, check the soil several inches below the surface. If it's still moist, your plants will likely recover once temperatures cool later in the day. Overwatering can sometimes cause more problems than underwatering by limiting oxygen to the roots and encouraging disease.
Raise Your Mower Blade
If your lawn looks stressed during the hottest weeks of summer, your mower settings may be part of the problem. Cutting grass too short exposes the soil to direct sunlight and weakens the grass plant. Taller grass shades the soil, conserves moisture, and develops deeper roots. It also helps your lawn stay greener longer and recover more quickly after hot weather. To protect your lawn, start by raising your mower blade to about 3 to 4 inches. Keep mower blades sharp for clean cuts that reduce stress on the lawn, and never remove more than one-third of the grass blade at a time.
Hold Off on Heavy Fertilizing
While fertilizing is essential for healthy growth, applying large amounts of fertilizer during periods of intense heat can place additional stress on plants and lawns. Many plants naturally slow their growth during extreme summer temperatures. Pushing new growth with fertilizer can make them more susceptible to heat damage. Instead, focus on proper watering and maintenance during the hottest part of the season. If you're unsure about the best fertilization schedule for your landscape, or have brown or dead areas in your lawn, dig up a 1" area of the green grass and the dead area to bring it into our garden center. Our knowledgeable staff will analyze the problem for you and help you develop a plan based on your specific plants and lawn.
Watch for Heat-Loving Pests
Hot, dry weather often creates ideal conditions for certain insects and plant diseases. Keep an eye out specifically for spider mites, Japanese beetles, bagworms, and aphids. Regularly inspect leaves, branches, and stems for unusual discoloration, holes, webbing, or insect activity. The sooner you identify a problem, the easier it is to manage before it spreads throughout your landscape. If you're unsure what's affecting your plants, bring in a sample or photos to Brady Nursery. Our knowledgeable staff can help identify the issue and recommend the appropriate treatment.
Add Color with Heat-Tolerant Plants
Even during the hottest part of summer, your landscape can remain vibrant with the right plant selections. Many annuals and perennials thrive in Kansas heat, including Lantana, Zinnias, Coneflowers, Black-eyed Susans, Salvia, and ornamental grasses. These plants are well adapted to sunny conditions and continue producing colorful blooms even during periods of high temperatures. If you're looking to refresh your landscape mid-summer, Brady Nursery offers a wide selection of heat-loving plants that perform beautifully in Kansas gardens.
Let Brady Nursery Help Your Landscape Beat the Heat
Every landscape is different, and Kansas weather can be unpredictable. Whether you're trying to revive a struggling lawn, select drought-tolerant plants, or care for newly planted trees, Brady Nursery is here to help. Our experienced team understands the unique challenges Kansas homeowners face and can recommend the right plants, products, and care techniques to keep your landscape healthy throughout the hottest months of the year.
Stop by Brady Nursery for expert advice, quality plants, mulch, soil amendments, and everything you need to help your landscape thrive, even when the temperatures soar. With a little extra care and the right approach, your yard can stay healthy, colorful, and enjoyable all summer long.