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Here come the heat waves! A trip to the coastline may bring some relief. However, a trip to the beach also means dealing with the busy crowds, and if you enter the water, you may have an unpleasant shark encounter. Well, a shark encounter is not too likely, but, trying to find a parking spot can be scary. Better yet, you can stay at home, have fun, and enjoy your landscape. Resting under some shade trees, such as a beautiful Tipu tree, and picnicking with family sounds like the perfect summertime experience. Plus, you don’t have to deal with the crowds!

This is the right time to pay closer attention to the material in your landscape. We are here to help! Our nursery pros have compiled some tips so that you can enjoy your landscape, and ride out the heat waves in comfort!

Tips for a Healthy Landscape

Watering: August is the warmest month in Southern California. With the higher temperatures, we are going to want to apply water to our landscape so that some of the material can get through these hotter months. We always want to remember to water deeply as this is the best way for the water to saturate the entire root zone. We are often asked about how much water to use and how often. Click on this link to read our Best Watering Practices.

Trunk Protection: Getting a sunburn is never fun. Sure, we can always lather up our bodies in sunscreen. Unfortunately, trees don’t have the option of sunscreen lotion. It’s true that trees can get a sunburn, and it hurts them, too. And, the younger trees in your landscape, mainly citrus, are going to need some protection. A great way to provide protection is with a Protective Tree Wrap. We may also experience very windy days. Staking any age tree is a great way to provide stability when those windy days arrive.

Fertilize: We recommend using Moon Juice in the summer because it can help the material in our landscape deal with the rising temperatures, extreme heat, and other stressors in August. Moon Juice is also an excellent way to prime roots for fall feeding.

Lawn Care: Summertime is prime bocce ball time. We are going to want to have healthy grass to keep the tournaments going all summer long. We can give our yard grass a boost using Moon Royal turf fertilizer. We will also want to raise the mowing height to 2.5 to 3-inches.

Mulch: Mulching is a great way to keep roots moist and cool. Go outside and check the mulch around your plants. If there is not enough mulch, we recommend putting in a 3 to 4-inch layer to conserve moisture. Look for the parts in your landscape that is receiving direct sunlight on the dirt – be sure to mulch these areas.

Garden: Eat what you grow and feel better! Right now, we can start thinking about planting for our fall garden. Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, Chinese cabbage, carrots, collards, lettuce, and other cool-season vegetables are excellent for planting in August. Remove any old vegetable plants that have stopped producing. By removing old vegetables, we can eliminate any pests and diseases from your garden. Weeds don’t care how hot it gets; they’ll still grow. Be sure to remove weeds and do not let them go to seed.

Great Trees to Plant in August

Summertime in SoCal can also bring dancing butterflies into your yard, so get outside and enjoy the scene! Relaxing under a shade tree is one of life’s pleasures. For those that do not want to wait for the trees to grow, buy mature specimens and enjoy! Moon Valley Nurseries has the bigger trees you need that can provide shade and liven up any landscape during the SoCal heat waves.

Tipu (Tipuana tipu): Let’s hear it for the Tipuana tipu tree! This colorful flowering tree is one of the best shade trees you can find. The fact that it can bloom golden-colored flowers in the summer is a bonus. Homeowners value this semi-evergreen for the tropical-vibe it lends to the landscape. It features feathery, bright bluish-green foliage and a high canopy that provides a picturesque picnic spot. Mature specimens are begging you to take a break from the hot sun so that you can enjoy the natural beauty that these trees offer. 

Indian Laurel (Ficus): Privacy is important, especially when you are spending quality time with your family in your yard. One of the best trees for creating privacy is our Indian Laurel Columns, Plant them along a fence line and build a living wall of privacy that can create a retreat in the comfort of your property. Go ahead and practice your bocce ball skills without judgment. Of course, it’s going to be sunny, too, so find some relief in the comfortable shade these evergreen trees can provide. If you are looking for some shade, privacy, and beauty this summer, Indian Laurel Columns deliver the goods.

Pineapple Palm (Phoenix canariensis): Pineapple Palms resemble their namesake – they’re a tasteful addition to your landscape! Young palms resemble a pineapple, and as they grow, they transform into one of the most majestic trees you’ll find anywhere. Plant one in a front yard and get ready to experience instant curb appeal. Mature specimens can grow feather-like fronds that can provide shade, too. And, if you are looking to create a resort-style yard, Canary Island Date palms are must!

Olive trees (Olea europaea): Bring the enchanting look of the Tuscan countryside home. Olive trees are beautiful, and at Moon Valley Nurseries, we offer certified disease-free trees grown right here in Southern California! Both fruitless and fruiting varieties are available. These evergreen trees are sure to blend well with any landscape. Their billowing crown and attractive gray-green/silver foliage can also help create a shady spot in your yard. These trees are water-wise, love full sun exposure, and easy to grow – perfect for properties in Southern California.

Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia): Who doesn’t love a burst of color in their landscape? Crape Myrtle trees are absolute stunners, especially during the warm summer months when they are in full bloom. Landscapes come alive with flowers that range from pink to dark purple, red, and white. Plus, they are the perfect size for any yard. When the days are long and hot, you’ll appreciate the cooling sight of these very colorful trees in bloom.