Heat advisories have been a regular occurrence for many regions across Ontario this summer.
The realities of the hot temperatures can be detrimental to an outdoor landscape, but there are simple tips and tricks Denis Flanagan of Landscape Ontario has identified that can go a long way in keeping your lawn healthy in the heat.
If a drought should occur Flanagan says it’s important to keep the following in mind:
– Hose-end overhead sprinklers can be wasteful when the spray is watering sidewalks and driveways. Instead, try using a soaker hose to water your lawn.
– The ultimate solution is to contact a professional certified irrigation company to access your property and develop a water saving plan to keep your lawn healthy while reducing water use.
Garden care
Trees and shrubs are typically most durable in the heat, while plants and flowers need the most attention. Nonetheless, it’s important to ensure they are all properly watered and cared for when temperatures are excessively hot.
Flanagan suggests the following for keeping your garden healthy in the heat:
– If newly planted, pay close attention to deep watering around the root zones of trees and shrubs, and consider a water retention bag that fits around the base of the trunk to keep the roots hydrated.
– Vegetable and flower gardens should be given a good soaking early in the morning. If you’re using a sprinkler, you can avoid wasting water by keeping it low and targeted at the crop.
For more information on summer gardening, water saving ideas, rain harvesting and drought resistant plants, visit Landscape Ontario’s web site atwww.landscapeontario.com.
