Smart Summer Landscaping in Central Texas

Summer in Austin is no joke. From June’s first serious heatwave to the height of August/September, maintaining a healthy landscape requires strategy, patience, and a few tricks up your gardening gloves. Whether you're tending to raised beds or managing a full outdoor renovation, there are ways to conserve water, reduce stress on plants, and still enjoy a beautiful space. Here's how to help your landscape not just survive, but thrive.

Water Smarter, Not Harder

In Central Texas, using water wisely is key. Austin is usually under Drought Water Use Restrictions, so it’s more important than ever to maximize every drop. Here’s how:

• Deep Soaks - Water deeply once or twice a week rather than shallow watering every day. This promotes stronger root systems and greater drought resilience.

• Cooler Hours Count - Water early in the morning or after sunset to reduce evaporation and give your plants a better chance to absorb what they need.

• Inspect Your System - If you use irrigation, check for leaks and inefficiencies. Even a small break can waste gallons of water and weaken your plants.

Mulch: Your Summer MVP

Mulch is one of the simplest yet most effective tools in your landscaping toolkit.

Apply a 2 to 3 inch layer of organic mulch to help:

• Retain soil moisture

• Reduce weed competition

• Regulate soil temperature

• Protect root systems from intense heat

  
  

Check mulch levels regularly. If it’s looking thin or crusty, it’s time to refresh.

Seaweed for Stress Relief

When summer stress kicks in, seaweed fertilizer steps up. This natural tonic supports plant health in hot, dry conditions and can be applied as a liquid spray or soil drench.

Why it works:

Seaweed encourages root growth, increases drought tolerance, and improves recovery from heat damage. Apply every few weeks during peak summer months.

Choose Plants Built for Texas Heat

If some of your plants are barely hanging on each year, it might be time for a refresh. Central Texas is home to a wide variety of native and adapted plants that thrive in extreme conditions with very little maintenance.

Need ideas?

Check the City of Austin’s Native and Adapted Landscape Plants guide for a great starting point. It’s packed with helpful information on species that handle our heat, drought, and rocky soils like champs.

The Final Stretch

August and September are typically the hottest and least forgiving months of the year for your garden. But don't lose hope, cooler weather is around the corner.

Until then, keep doing the essentials:

• Stick to efficient watering

• Maintain mulch and moisture levels

• Continue seaweed treatments

• Stay informed about drought restrictions