Don’t just see, Save the Green

Not only you, your plants also are suffering from  summer’s sizzling heat, when  weather suddenly rocks the temperatures above 29 C.  Many plants  inevitably suffer. Plants can be damaged by either high day or high night temperatures and by either high air or soil temperatures.  A plant’s temperature usually runs just above the air temperature. Trees and shrubs enjoy optimum growing conditions when the temperature ranges between 51 -65°C.  The magnitude of heat stress increases rapidly as the air temperature rises above 65°C.

Generally, heat stress of a plant will show itself by wilting, which is a sure sign that water loss has taken place. If this is ignored, the condition will worsen, as the plants will eventually dry up, turning a crunchy brown before dying. In some cases, yellowing of the leaves may occur.

Not much can be done for trees and other plants once injury has occurred. To help prevent heat injuries do the following….

Treatments for heat stroke in trees include:

1.      Water wisely for healthy plants during summers, especially during heat waves. Early morning between 4am and 9am is the best time to water.

2.      Move potted plants and containers to shady areas until end of heat wave.

3.       Mulch around plants with a light covering of organic material to retain soil moisture, prevent weeds, and maintain cooler soil temperatures.

4.       Evaluate your garden – take a stroll to see what is sunburned, wilted in the morning, overcrowded, and/or exposed to too much sun and wind.

5.      Avoid chemical pesticide sprays of any type, but especially avoid spraying during daytime heat even if using insecticidal soaps or horticultural oils.

6.      Avoid fertilizing because heat-stressed plants do not need to increase

their foliage canopy.

By following these measures and planting natives and drought tolerant plants, you will be rewarded with a healthy, productive garden, despite the heat.