Flip flops? Check. Sunscreen? Check. Cooler? Check.
You’re all set. But is your property ready for the scorching heat of summer?
If you don’t want your retail center’s lush green landscaping to dry up and start to crunch, better be prepared.
Water, Water, Water
The number one thing your property needs to thrive in summer’s crispiest weather is irrigation.
The difference between retail centers that have irrigation systems and those that don’t is dramatic. Sure, you can hire a landscaping company to send a water truck over a few times a week, but the cost adds up fast — often $50 to $75 an hour for hand watering several times a week.
An irrigation system is the most efficient way to water your property.
Hoses and sprinklers use more water than necessary and don’t evenly distribute it. Water often sprays where it isn’t needed, wasting resources on pavement, driveways, and sidewalks.
An irrigation system prevents this waste, delivering water only where it’s needed — to lawns, shrubs, trees, and flower beds. Timers ensure automatic shut off so you can take care of business while your irrigation system takes care of your property’s health.
Planning a new retail center? Consider an irrigation system before you build. Cutting into concrete to install one after construction is expensive.
Already Have an Irrigation System?
Be proactive about keeping it running smoothly. Pre-approving a repair fund ensures technicians can fix problems right away, preventing wasted water and costly damage.
Smart irrigation technology makes systems even more efficient. Controllers use data from sensors and local weather forecasts to deliver the right amount of water at the right time, with little waste. Rain sensors prevent overwatering, and automatic shut-off features stop water flow when mechanical problems occur.
Your landscaping — and your water bill — will thank you.
Bring On the Mulch
Don’t head into summer’s scorching heat without a fresh application of mulch. Old mulch won’t do the job.
When mulch gets old and thin, it doesn’t retain moisture in your beds, weeds start to sprout, and grass creeps in.
Fresh mulch keeps roots cool, retains moisture in the soil, deters weeds, and makes landscaping look vibrant and well cared for. At Greenscape, mulch is replaced twice a year to keep it fresh and effective.
Perfect Plant Placement
Choosing the right plants for the right spots is key to keeping your property green and healthy during summer heat.
Plants that tolerate drought conditions thrive, while others struggle without constant water. Hollies are a great choice, as they are drought-tolerant and keep glossy green leaves year-round. Their deep green backdrop pairs beautifully with colorful annuals for curb appeal.
Two big water-saving trends are on the rise: xeriscaping and native plants.
- Xeriscaping uses drought-tolerant plants that need little water or fertilizer.
- Native plants naturally thrive in North Carolina’s conditions, requiring less maintenance and offering sustainable beauty.
Avoiding high-maintenance, water-hungry plants ensures your property stays strong even in extreme heat.
Communication Counts
A healthy green landscape doesn’t just happen — especially in the challenging conditions of a North Carolina summer.
Regular site visits from your landscaping company are crucial. Frequent check-ins ensure small issues, like a patch of brown grass or a struggling shrub, are caught and addressed quickly.
Strong communication between property managers and landscapers makes all the difference in keeping landscapes healthy and attractive through the toughest months.
Taking Care of Turf
The best way to keep grass green and thriving through summer’s heat is a consistent turf care program.
The healthier your grass, the better it can withstand heat, drought, pests, and disease.
- Brown patch is a common fungus that strikes fescue grass in summer. Catch it early before it spreads.
- Poa Annua can also wreak havoc, stealing water from healthy grass. Early treatment is critical.
Proper mowing is another key to turf health. Cutting more than one-third of a blade at a time stresses grass. Taller grass grows deeper roots, resists weeds, and helps soil retain water by shading it.
Watch Your Summer Landscape Thrive with Greenscape
Summer is tough on landscaping, from turf to trees, flowers to shrubs.
The experts at Greenscape can set your property up for a successful summer season — from irrigation and plant selection to skilled turf care and proactive maintenance.
We’ve been meeting the full-service landscaping needs of commercial customers in the Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, and Cary areas for more than 35 years.
We offer landscape management and lawn care, design and build services, irrigation, landscape lighting and more.
📞 Call us at 919-552-7742 or fill out our online form to request a free consultation and learn how we can transform your landscape.
We can take the heat.