How to Prepare Your Landscaping for Summer in Melbourne
As the summer heat rolls into Melbourne, it’s time to get your landscaping ready to withstand high temperatures while still looking professional and inviting. For businesses, well-maintained outdoor spaces are crucial for creating a great impression, and preparation is key to ensuring your landscaping thrives all summer long.
Here’s a practical guide to help you prepare your landscaping for Melbourne’s summer:
1. Choose Heat-Resilient Plants
Melbourne’s summers can be harsh, but native plants are well-suited to thrive in these conditions. Kangaroo Paw, Lomandra, Bottlebrush, and Coastal Rosemary are excellent options that require minimal watering and care.
Tip: Replace any struggling plants with hardy, drought-tolerant varieties to reduce maintenance during the hotter months.
2. Refresh Mulch in Garden Beds
Mulching is one of the simplest ways to protect your plants from summer stress. A fresh layer of mulch helps retain soil moisture, regulate soil temperature, and reduce weed growth.
Pro Tip: Use organic mulch like wood chips or bark to improve soil quality over time.
3. Check and Optimize Irrigation Systems
An efficient irrigation system is essential during summer. Ensure your sprinklers or drip irrigation systems are in good working order and adjust timers for early morning or late evening watering to minimize evaporation.
Quick Win: Install rain sensors to avoid overwatering during unexpected rainfall.
4. Trim and Prune for Healthy Growth
Pruning overgrown trees, shrubs, and hedges allows for better air circulation and prevents plants from becoming stressed under the summer sun. Focus on removing dead or damaged branches.
Tip: Schedule pruning before the peak heat of summer to give plants time to recover.
5. Reduce Lawn Stress
Lawns can suffer during Melbourne’s hot, dry summers. To keep them healthy:
• Mow your lawn slightly higher to provide shade for the soil.
• Water deeply but infrequently to encourage deep root growth.
• Aerate compacted soil to improve water absorption.
Low-Maintenance Alternative: Replace parts of your lawn with drought-resistant ground covers or pebbles.
6. Add Shade and Wind Protection
Extreme heat and dry winds can stress plants. Adding shade cloths, strategically planting trees, or creating shaded areas with structures can protect sensitive plants and provide a more comfortable environment for customers and employees.
Example: Install shade sails over seating areas or pathways for added protection and visual appeal.
7. Inspect and Repair Hardscaping
Cracks in pathways, loose pavers, or worn-out edging can worsen in the summer heat. Inspect your hardscaping elements and make necessary repairs to ensure your outdoor spaces are safe and presentable.
8. Plan for Water Conservation
Water restrictions can be common in Melbourne during summer, so plan ahead by incorporating water-saving practices:
• Use native plants that require less water.
• Group plants with similar water needs together.
• Collect rainwater in barrels for supplementary irrigation.
9. Schedule Regular Maintenance
Keeping up with regular landscaping tasks can prevent minor issues from becoming major problems. Partner with a reliable landscaping service to handle pruning, weeding, and irrigation checks so you can focus on running your business.
Why Summer Landscaping Matters
Well-prepared outdoor spaces are not just about surviving the summer—they’re about thriving. When your landscaping looks its best, it reflects positively on your business, creating a professional, inviting atmosphere for customers and employees alike.
Let Kotyra Help You Get Summer-Ready
At Kotyra Gardenscapes, we specialize in low-maintenance, high-impact landscaping solutions tailored for Melbourne’s climate. From heat-resilient plants to smart irrigation systems, we’ll ensure your outdoor spaces stay vibrant and professional all summer long.
Contact us today to get your landscaping ready for the season. 🌞 🌿
