As we move deeper into the summer season, June is an important time to evaluate landscape conditions and make adjustments that support healthy growth through the hotter months ahead. Recent rainfall across Southeast Texas has provided much needed moisture, but it also creates new challenges for plants, turf, and soil health.
Use this checklist to keep your landscape thriving throughout June and beyond.
1. Check Soil Moisture Before Adjusting Irrigation
Many areas across Southeast Texas have received substantial rainfall recently. Before increasing irrigation schedules, take a few minutes to assess soil moisture levels throughout your property.
Overwatering can be just as harmful as underwatering, especially when soils remain saturated for extended periods. Excess moisture can lead to root stress, nutrient loss, and increased disease pressure. Adjust irrigation based on actual soil conditions rather than seasonal habits.
2. Improve Airflow and Drying Conditions
Dense plant growth can trap moisture and create favorable conditions for fungal diseases. Light pruning of shrubs, ornamental plants, and other dense vegetation helps improve airflow throughout the landscape.
Additionally, services such as aeration and dethatching promote air movement within turf areas, helping surfaces dry more quickly after rain events. Improved airflow not only reduces disease pressure but also supports stronger, healthier plant growth.
3. Refresh Your Mulch
Mulch does more than enhance curb appeal it plays a vital role in maintaining healthy landscapes during the summer months.
Applying a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch helps:
- Retain valuable soil moisture
- Suppress weed growth
- Moderate soil temperatures
- Improve overall landscape appearance
Be careful not to pile mulch directly against plant stems or tree trunks, as this can create moisture related issues.
4. Stay Ahead of Pests and Diseases
Periods of wet weather often lead to increased pest activity and disease outbreaks. Regular inspections allow you to identify problems early before they become costly to correct.
An Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach combines monitoring, beneficial insects, cultural practices, and targeted treatments to maintain a healthy landscape while minimizing unnecessary chemical use.
5. Evaluate Drainage and Problem Areas
Heavy rainfall provides an excellent opportunity to identify drainage concerns that may not be obvious during drier periods.
Take note of:
- Standing water
- Soggy turf areas
- Soil compaction
- Erosion
- Low spots in the landscape
Documenting these issues now can help guide future drainage improvements and landscape enhancements that protect your investment and improve overall property health.
If you’ve noticed standing water, soggy lawn areas, erosion, or poor drainage around your home or commercial property, our team can help. At JMAS Landscaping, we specialize in identifying drainage problems and developing customized solutions, including French drains, catch basins, grading corrections, swales, and erosion control measures. Addressing drainage issues early can help protect your landscape, foundation, hardscapes, and overall property value. Contact us today to schedule a drainage assessment and learn how we can improve water management on your property.
6. Prioritize Soil Health
Healthy soil is the foundation of every successful landscape.
Extended periods of rainfall can move nutrients deeper into the soil profile and place additional stress on plant root systems. Landscapes with strong soil biology and healthy organic matter levels are generally better equipped to withstand both wet and dry extremes.
Final Thoughts
A successful summer landscape starts with proactive management. By monitoring moisture levels, improving airflow, maintaining mulch, managing pests, evaluating drainage, and investing in soil health, you’ll be setting your property up for continued success throughout the growing season.
Need help assessing your landscape? Contact JMAS Landscaping to schedule a property evaluation and develop a customized plan for your outdoor spaces.