Before temperatures peak in Tucson, it’s crucial to take care of some key preventive landscaping maintenance tasks. This includes inspecting irrigation systems, removing dead plants and debris, tackling weed and pest control, trimming trees and shrubs, looking for signs of disease, and planting summer-hardy plants. June is the best month for this, as by the end of the month, we’ll already be seeing temps over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Our team at Complete Landscaping can help by offering professional landscape maintenance in Tucson, AZ. Read on for our pre-summer desert landscaping tips. 

 

Consider Soil Conditioning 

Soil conditioning is the process of adding organic or inorganic materials to the soil to enhance its moisture retention, nutrients, aeration, and structure. It may be necessary for delicate plants or ones that need an extra boost before the summer heat, or if you plan on adding summer flowers, fruits, or veggies to a garden bed. We recommend using soil conditioning materials that lower soil pH, break up heavy clay and deposits, and add essential nutrients. The best options are aged manure, compost, soil sulfur, peat moss, or perlite. 

 

Mulch Plants and Protect them from the Sun

Mulch can protect plant roots and help soil retain moisture during the hottest parts of the day. It can also inhibit weed growth and keep some pests from getting to the roots of your plants. We recommend applying a three-to-four inch layer of organic mulch a few inches from plant stems. The best options are shredded bark, decomposed granite or gravel, wood chips, straw, and composted leaves. You should also install sun protection for delicate plants. Install 50-70% shade cloth for vegetables, herbs, tropical plants, and fruit trees, or move potted plants to shaded areas. You can also use portable plant umbrellas. 

 

Trim and Prune Trees and Shrubs

You should postpone pruning spring-flowering shrubs and trees like citrus, rhododendrons, lilacs, and azaleas in the summer because their foliage can shade and protect more delicate inner branches. However, you should trim native desert trees like Palo Verde, mesquite, and desert willow and summer-flowing shrubs like bougainvillea, oleander, and lantana to remove dead or broken branches before the Monsoon season begins. 

 

Invest in Water-Efficient Irrigation 

Finally, you should inspect your irrigation system for signs of damage or wear and tear. Look for cracked, broken, or disconnected hoses, loose or corroded connections, and leaks. Adjust the watering schedule so that any plants that aren’t drought-tolerant are watered deeply between 4:00 and 8:00 a.m. to minimize evaporation. Switch from overhead sprinklers to drip irrigation system lines to prevent evaporation and water waste. 

 

Call Complete Landscaping for Landscaping Maintenance and Summer Lawn Care in Tucson

Complete Landscaping offers certified expertise in desert landscaping maintenance. We understand the toll that summer heat can take on Arizona gardens and landscaped areas and offer proactive and preventive maintenance to protect your plants. We tailor our services to identify and mitigate summer risks like weeds, pests, disease, drought, heat stress, and wildlife damage. We specialize in low-water gardening and water-wise irrigation as well as comprehensive commercial landscape maintenance like weed and pest control. Call us today at (520) 675-1754 or contact us online to set up an initial consultation.