Spring to Summer: How to Prep Your Landscape for the Texas Heat

As spring winds down in Texas, it’s the perfect time to shift your landscaping focus toward the hotter months ahead. In areas like Dallas, Fort Worth, and Rockwall, temperatures can rise quickly, making it crucial to get your yard summer-ready before the heat hits full force.

Here’s how to transition your landscape from spring to summer with confidence:

1. Refresh Mulch to Retain Moisture

Mulch is your best friend in the Texas heat. It helps lock in moisture, regulate soil temperature, and reduce weed growth. As summer approaches, check your beds and apply a fresh 2–3 inch layer of mulch around trees, shrubs, and flowers. Cedar and hardwood mulch are great choices for Texas landscapes.

2. Adjust Your Watering Schedule

Spring showers may have kept your landscape hydrated, but summer calls for a more intentional approach.

• Water early in the morning or later in the evening to reduce evaporation.

• Consider upgrading to a smart irrigation system that adjusts automatically based on weather conditions.

• Inspect all sprinkler heads for clogs or misdirection—every drop counts!

  
  

3. Keep Lawns Healthy in Rising Temps

A lush lawn takes a little extra care as temperatures climb:

• Raise your mower height to avoid cutting grass too short, which stresses it in the heat.

• Apply a slow-release fertilizer in late spring to strengthen roots.

• Avoid heavy lawn work during the hottest parts of the day to prevent stress and damage.

  
  

4. Transition to Heat-Tolerant Plants

Spring annuals may start to fade, but this is a great time to plant summer-loving, heat-tolerant options like:

• Lantana

• Mexican feather grass

• Salvia

• Texas sage

These plants thrive in full sun and require less water—perfect for summer survival.

5. Prune and Deadhead for Continued Growth

Now’s the time to prune back spring bloomers and deadhead any fading flowers to encourage new growth. This quick maintenance step helps your landscape look fresh and supports healthier plants all season long.

6. Check for Pests and Disease

Warming temperatures also bring increased pest activity. Inspect plants regularly for signs of aphids, spider mites, or fungal diseases. Catching issues early prevents widespread damage as summer heat accelerates growth—and problems.

Final Thoughts

Preparing your landscape for summer doesn’t have to be overwhelming. A few smart adjustments now will go a long way in keeping your yard vibrant, healthy, and ready to handle the Texas heat. Whether you’re in Dallas, Fort Worth, Rockwall, or nearby, our team at Complete Landscape & Design is here to help your yard thrive year-round.

Want expert help getting your yard summer-ready? Contact us today to schedule your seasonal landscape tune-up.