With summer in full swing, your outdoor space is likely soaking up the sun—and while that’s great for barbecues and poolside lounging, your plants might be struggling. Heat stress can sneak up on your landscape and quickly damage flowers, shrubs, trees, and turf. Recognizing the early signs of heat stress allows you to intervene before it’s too late. Here are seven symptoms to watch for in your yard this season, and how Complete Landscaping can help you protect your investment.
- Wilting or Drooping Leaves
One of the most immediate signs of heat stress is wilting. Plants lose moisture faster than they can absorb it, especially during the hottest part of the day. You may notice leaves that are droopy, limp, or seem to collapse by midday. While some plants bounce back in the evening, consistent wilting signals deeper stress. Complete Landscaping’s team of landscape workers can evaluate your irrigation schedule and install smart watering systems that deliver moisture efficiently, preventing both underwatering and waste.
- Yellowing or Browning Foliage
When chlorophyll starts to break down due to high heat, leaves turn yellow or brown. This discoloration may begin at the edges or show up in patches. It’s often a sign the plant is shutting down non-essential functions to conserve energy. If you’re noticing these symptoms even in shaded areas, the plant may need additional nutrients or soil conditioning.
- Scorched or Burned Leaves
Leaf scorch appears as crispy, brown edges or pale, bleached spots. It typically affects plants exposed to full sun with insufficient water or mulch protection. In extreme cases, entire leaves may dry up and fall off. Complete Landscaping can apply protective mulch as part of your landscape maintenance service, assess sun exposure, and even recommend hardscaping or tree placement to create natural shade barriers.
- Leaf Curling
Some plants curl or roll their leaves inward as a defense mechanism to reduce water loss. While this may be temporary, prolonged curling indicates the plant is struggling. This is especially common in vegetables and perennials.
- Blossom Drop and Poor Fruit Production
Many fruiting and flowering plants drop their buds or blossoms when temperatures are too high. This is the plant’s way of conserving energy, but it’s frustrating if you’re hoping for a colorful or edible landscape. Proper hydration, nutrient-rich soil, and temperature buffering can help mitigate this issue.
- Stunted Growth
Heat-stressed plants often stop growing. You may notice fewer new leaves, slowed stem development, and shorter blooms. This can also affect lawn growth, leaving patchy or thin areas even with regular mowing. Complete Landscaping can help you transition to heat-tolerant plants and grasses suited for your local climate, improving long-term growth and appearance.
- Increased Vulnerability to Pests and Disease
Stressed plants are weaker and more susceptible to insect infestations and fungal diseases. Aphids, mites, and mildew often thrive in these weakened conditions. You might notice chewed leaves, webbing, or spots on foliage. At Complete Landscaping, our landscape maintenance services include regular inspections, integrated pest management, and timely treatment to prevent infestations before they take hold.
Heat stress doesn’t just make your yard look tired—it can kill plants, reduce curb appeal, and cost you money in replacements. Complete Landscaping offers full-service landscaping tailored to Tucson’s climate. Ready to protect your landscape this summer? Contact our landscaping professionals to schedule a consultation and let the experts create a plan tailored to your property’s unique needs.