July in Pennsylvania means long, sunny days, warm nights—and intense heat that can take a toll on your landscape. But with a little thoughtful care and planning, your garden can continue to thrive through the dog days of summer. At Sylvan Soul, we believe that mid-summer landscape care should be just as intentional as spring planting or fall cleanup. Here are a few smart ways to help your yard beat the heat and stay beautiful all season long.
Water Smart, Not Just Often
Watering is essential in July, but it’s all about when and how you do it. Early morning is the best time to water your landscape, giving plants time to absorb moisture before the sun kicks in. Deep watering a few times a week is much more effective than light, daily sprinkling. This encourages roots to grow deeper, making your plants more resilient during dry spells.
And remember—your native plants and pollinator-friendly species? Those are designed to handle our region’s weather, which means they need far less water than thirsty ornamentals. Another win for sustainable landscaping!
Keep Mulch Working for You
Mulch is more than just a pretty finish around your trees and garden beds—it’s a hardworking layer of protection. In the summer, a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch helps retain soil moisture, regulate root temperatures, and suppress weeds.
If you haven’t refreshed your mulch since spring, July is a great time to top it off. Just avoid piling it up against tree trunks, which can trap moisture and cause rot.
Mid-Summer Pruning and Plant Health Checks
It’s easy to assume that most of your landscape maintenance ends in spring, but July is the perfect time for some light pruning. Trim back dead or diseased branches, encourage bushier growth in overgrown perennials, and remove any suckers from trees or shrubs.
Keep an eye out for signs of heat stress too—like wilting leaves, browning edges, or slowed growth. These symptoms may indicate your plants need a little extra TLC, like more consistent watering or added shade.
Don’t Forget About the Lawn
Your lawn may be looking a little faded by now—and that’s normal! Grass tends to go dormant in intense heat. Rather than fighting it with constant watering and mowing, let it rest. Raise your mower blade to a higher setting, leave the clippings for natural mulch, and avoid heavy foot traffic when possible.
If you’re using an eco-friendly lawn mix or integrating native grasses, your turf will bounce back quicker and require less effort overall.
Summer is a Great Time to Plan Ahead
Yes, it’s hot—but it’s also a great time to dream about what your yard could look like come fall or next spring. At Sylvan Soul, we work closely with homeowners to design hand-drawn, personalized landscape plans that reflect your lifestyle and your values. Whether you’re thinking about a pollinator garden, a new patio, or a full-scale transformation, July is the perfect time to start planning.
Let Sylvan Soul Help You Cultivate a Thriving Summer Landscape
At Sylvan Soul, we’re not just landscapers—we’re stewards of the land. Our team specializes in eco-conscious, creative outdoor spaces that are designed to endure. From sustainable plant selection to thoughtful hardscaping and ongoing maintenance, we can help you care for your yard through every season.
Need help with mid-summer landscape care? Whether it’s refreshing your mulch, assessing your plant health, or planning your next outdoor project, we’d love to hear from you.
Get in touch with Sylvan Soul today to schedule your summer service or design consultation—and let’s make the most of your outdoor space.
