Last Updated: April 2026
Summer Plant Care Tips
The weather is sweltering and there is no end in sight so Summer Plant Care is very important this time of year. Here are our top-five tips for helping your landscape survive and thrive this summer.
Summer Plant Care: Tip No. 1
Garden at dawn. It’s the only time of day where you won’t feel like you’re roasting in a sauna. You will still only have at most an hour to work, so prioritize. Obviously, the most urgent task will probably be watering. Don’t waste water on the foliage of plants, get to the roots and soak them.
Summer Plant Care: Tip No. 2
Be ready to water containers again. When it’s really hot potted plants may need water later in the day. This is especially true if you have some small containers. The more soil a container can hold the better.
Summer Plant Care: Tip No. 3
Don’t fertilize plants that are already stressed. Plants naturally stop growing in the heat in order to conserve moisture. Granular fertilizer pulls moisture out of the soil. Liquid fertilizer encourages the plant to grow more leaves and this uses more water. So unless you want to water every day, don’t fertilize right now.
Summer Plant Care: Tip No. 4
Cut down on mowing and mow on high settings. Cutting the tips off grass leads to a major loss of moisture. Let the grass grow to at least three inches. Fescue grass will still need watering, but if you cut back on mowing, your lawn will need less.
Summer Plant Care: Tip No. 5
Keep a look out for spider mites. They suck moisture out of plants and multiply rapidly in the heat. Conifers are particularly vulnerable. Spider mites attack the undersides of leaves first so be on the lookout. They can be killed by insecticidal soap or oil, but don’t spray when it’s over 80 degrees. Spraying when it’s hot will burn plants, so do it in the early morning.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How often should I water my plants during a Fox Valley summer?
- During the hot summer months in the Fox Valley area, most garden plants and landscaping beds need deep watering 2-3 times per week. Water early in the morning so the root zone can absorb moisture before the midday heat causes evaporation. Established trees and shrubs may only need supplemental watering during extended dry spells of 10 or more days.
- What summer plant care steps protect landscaping from heat stress?
- Applying a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch around plant bases is the single most effective step you can take — it retains soil moisture, moderates root temperature, and suppresses weeds. Avoid fertilizing stressed plants during peak heat, and deadhead spent blooms to redirect the plant’s energy. Shade cloth can protect delicate perennials during heat waves.
- Should I adjust my irrigation schedule in July and August in Illinois?
- Yes. July and August are the hottest, driest months in the Aurora and Oswego area, so irrigation schedules set in spring will often be insufficient. Check soil moisture 2-3 inches deep before watering — if it’s dry, water thoroughly. Smart irrigation controllers with weather sensors can automate these adjustments and save water at the same time.
Related Resources: Landscaping Services | Drainage Solutions Fox Valley | Get a Free Quote
Written by BLC Yardworks — Fox Valley hardscaping, landscaping, and water feature contractors serving Oswego, Yorkville, Plainfield, Naperville, and surrounding communities since 1999.