In the summer, your garden and landscaping will weather more heat and sun than earlier in the season. That means you'll want to consider how to keep things cool. Just like we can get sunburned, trees can lose their leaves prematurely, grass can get scorched, and annuals can dry out. Let us help. At the Garden Center in Alamo Heights, we've got what you need to make the most of summer.

Grow a Healthy Lawn
If you're concerned that your lawn has dry and crispy blades of grass, don't panic just yet. It's possible that you've got a cool season grass that's going to go dormant and turn brown in the heat of the summer. If that's the case, it won't be a patchy brown, but brown all over. See if the roots are alive by tugging on a blade of grass: If it comes right out, the grass is likely dead and you'll need to replace it. If it doesn't pull right out, it's dormant. That means it's resting but still alive beneath the surface. Dormant grass should be watered deeply once or twice a week but don't fertilize it.

For warm-season grass that stays green in the summer, water a bit every few days and deeply once a week. The amount of water should add up to about an inch, more or less, each week. Be careful not to overwater, and let the lawn dry out after heavy rains before you get out the hose or sprinkler again. If it's especially hot out, water when the top two inches of soil is dry to the touch. It's ok to let the grass grow taller this time of the year, as cutting your lawn too short isn't healthy for it.

If you can water your lawn during the early morning or in the evening, that's ideal. A noon or mid-day watering will evaporate quickly, so come back with an evening watering if you can. Whenever you water, give all the plants a thorough drink, and don't skip it just because it's not the best time. The plants still need hydration regardless of the time. Depending on your grass type, climate, and lawn health, you may also want to look into applying a liquid lawn fertilizer.

Enjoy Long-Term Greenery and Blooms
After you've planted your plants or flowers, you'll need to make sure they're well-fed and hydrated. Choose a synthetic or an organic fertilizer that fits your needs, and give your garden a boost. You can even find one that's formulated for your plants, whether you need a flower fertilizer, vegetable fertilizer, fruit tree fertilizer, or a general garden fertilizer blend. Only apply as often as instructed on the packaging. More is not better here. Be sure to water immediately after, as directed, so the fertilizer won't burn the plants. Water regularly with a garden hose, sprinkler system, or drip irrigation system.

Grow Your Own Herbs
For fresh flavors to accent your homegrown produce, try herb gardening. They grow easily in pots, both indoors and outdoors, and are generally low-maintenance. If you grow herbs outdoors, stick to heat-loving herbs that'll endure the summer temperatures, and consider a hanging herb garden.

It can be tricky to plant herbs in the ground, as many of them — especially mint — are invasive and will take over your yard. So just keep them in small decorative pots on a sunny porch, window sill, or even in wall planters. Herbs also work well in a hydroponic garden, which means they don't grow in regular black dirt. Instead, they grow in a mixture of perlite, sand, or rock chips.

Trees as Natural Shade
Trees are the ultimate natural source of shade, and they can change the look of your yard. Whether you plant a few trees as accents, a few more to bear fruit, or a whole mini-forest, keep in mind this is a long-term commitment. When they're healthy, trees live many decades — and some for hundreds of years. Before you shop, look into how to plant a tree, including evergreens, deciduous tree saplings, or more mature trees.

A house framed by beautiful trees can seem picture-perfect, but research the specific trees you want before planting them. Consider how far the root ball extends outward, the full-grown size of the trees you want, and how deep the taproots go. Plant your trees far from underground plumbing, as their strong roots will seek water and wend into piping to get it. A tree with a full canopy of leaves catches wind like a sail, so make sure it's planted a safe distance from your home. If you've planned accordingly, found trees you love, and know the best places to put them, get planting. That way you can enjoy the leaves rustling in the breeze and dappled shade sooner rather than later.

Keep Your Family Cool
It's wonderful to enjoy summer weather with your family, but sometimes it gets too toasty for comfort. Luckily, we've got many options to help you beat the heat and make your yard look stylish at the same time. Learn how to stay cool in the summer with our many options for cooling relief.

Rejuvenate your body and mind with some downtime. Relax by the pool in a hammock or in your favorite lounge chair to savor a lazy summer day. When you're ready to cool down, shelter beneath a covered gazebo or a patio umbrella. Having outside time with nothing to do is beneficial, and we've got everything you need to enjoy it to the fullest.

Find Your Summertime Supplies Today
No matter if your perfect summer includes relaxing, gardening, grilling, or finishing outdoor DIY projects, we've got the supplies you need to keep your days flowing with ease. Make the most of these early mornings and lengthy evenings to enjoy all the season has to offer. Shop online at your leisure, on our Home Depot mobile app anywhere you like, or in the aisles of your Alamo Heights store.