How to Protect Your Landscape During Riverside’s Late-Summer Heat

September may technically signal the beginning of fall, but in Riverside and the Inland Empire, summer heat can stick around well into the month. Your landscape can still face intense sun, dry soil, and increased water demands.

Here are a few simple ways to help protect your yard during Southern California's late-summer heat.

1. Add Mulch Around Plants

One of the easiest ways to protect your landscape is by adding a layer of mulch around trees, shrubs, and planting beds.

Mulch helps reduce moisture loss, protects the soil from direct sunlight, and moderates soil temperatures. As organic mulch breaks down, it can also contribute organic matter to the soil.

2. Water Smarter, Not Just More

More water isn't always better. Soil type, drainage, plant selection, and sun exposure all affect how much water your landscape actually needs.

Deep watering can encourage deeper root development, while unnecessary overwatering can create poor root-zone conditions and waste water. The goal is to keep adequate moisture where plants can actually use it.

3. Check Your Soil

If water runs off quickly or plants seem stressed despite regular irrigation, your soil may be part of the problem.

Adding appropriate compost or soil amendments can improve soil structure and its ability to manage moisture. This can be especially important when establishing new planting areas.

4. Consider Rock and DG for Low-Water Areas

Not every part of your yard needs to be planted.

Decorative rock and decomposed granite (DG) can create attractive pathways, borders, side yards, and other low-water areas. Combined with drought-tolerant plants, these materials can help create a landscape that's better suited to Southern California conditions.

5. Start Planning for Fall

Late summer is also a good time to look ahead. As temperatures begin to moderate, fall can provide new opportunities for landscape projects and planting.

Use September to evaluate your irrigation, refresh mulch, prepare planting areas, and decide which parts of your landscape could benefit from new rock, soil, compost, or DG.

Prepare Your Landscape for the Season Ahead

A little preparation can make a major difference during Riverside's hottest weeks and set your yard up for the months ahead.

Need mulch, decorative rock, DG, soil, compost, sand, or other landscape materials?

Visit SoCal Landscape Supply at 17520 Bridge St., Moreno Valley, CA 92555, or call (951) 538-3338 for help selecting the right material for your project.