It is dry and hot! Why is now a good time to check your sprinkler system? It is good to walk your yard now during extreme heat like we have now. Did you have any damage from the recent storms? Have you had anyone digging in your yard recently? Have you had any new landscaping put in or updates made? Any digging in your yard can cause damage to your sprinkler system, drainage or lighting system.

Summer heat and dry weather can be particularly challenging for plants in Houston, Texas due to several factors:

High Temperatures

Houston experiences extremely high temperatures during the summer months, often exceeding 90°F (32°C) and sometimes even reaching triple digits. These scorching temperatures can stress plants by causing excessive water loss through evaporation, leading to dehydration and wilting. Learn more about the proper sprinkler system settings for your plants to survive the Houston heat.

Intense Sunlight

Houston is dry and hot receiving abundant sunlight during the summer, which can be beneficial for many plants. However, prolonged exposure to intense sunlight can also result in sunburn on plant leaves, causing them to wither, turn brown, or develop scorched patches. The combination of high temperatures and intense sunlight can lead to heat stress, inhibiting photosynthesis and impairing overall plant growth.

Limited Rainfall

During the summer, Houston tends to experience a decrease in rainfall, leading to drought-like conditions. The lack of sufficient moisture in the soil makes it difficult for plants to obtain an adequate water supply. This water deficit affects their ability to uptake nutrients, transport water to various plant parts, and carry out essential metabolic processes.

High Humidity

While Houston has high humidity levels throughout the year, it becomes even more pronounced during the summer months. The combination of high temperatures and high humidity can hinder plant transpiration, the process by which plants release moisture through their leaves. When transpiration is limited, plants struggle to cool themselves down and regulate their internal temperature, further exacerbating the effects of heat stress.

Soil Composition

The soil in Houston and its surrounding areas is predominantly clayey or sandy, which poses challenges for water retention. These soil types have low water-holding capacity and drain quickly, making it difficult for plants to maintain adequate soil moisture levels. Consequently, plants can become more susceptible to drought stress, particularly during extended dry periods.

Mitigate the impact of summer heat and dry weather on plants in Houston

It is important to provide regular watering, preferably in the early morning to minimize water loss through evaporation. Mulching around plants can help conserve soil moisture and regulate soil temperature. Additionally, selecting heat-tolerant plant varieties and providing shade or partial shade can offer some protection from the intense sun.

Give us a call at 281-494-3700 for us to help check your sprinkler system to help avoid dry spots and fix coverage issues. If you would like a free quote for a new sprinkler system, drainage system,  landscape lighting system, give us a call today. Feel free to also book an appointment online here.