Keeping Landscapes Healthy Through August in South Louisiana
August is one of the toughest months of the year for landscapes in South Louisiana. While your lawn and plants are still actively growing, they're also dealing with intense heat, high humidity, long periods of sunshine, and the possibility of heavy afternoon thunderstorms. These conditions can place significant stress on your landscape if it isn't properly maintained.
The good news is that a few simple maintenance practices can help your lawn, trees, shrubs, and flower beds remain healthy until cooler temperatures arrive in the fall.
Here's how to keep your South Louisiana landscape looking its best throughout August.
Continue Watering Wisely
Although afternoon showers are common during August, they don't always provide enough moisture to keep your landscape healthy. Heavy rain can also run off before it has a chance to soak into the soil.
Instead of watering every day, aim to water deeply and less frequently. Deep watering encourages roots to grow farther into the soil, making plants more resilient during periods of heat and drought.
Watering Tips
Water early in the morning whenever possible.
Avoid watering during the hottest part of the day, when much of the water evaporates.
Reduce watering if your area receives significant rainfall.
Watch for signs of drought stress, such as wilted plants or grass with a bluish-gray appearance.
An irrigation system with a rain sensor or smart controller can help ensure your landscape receives the right amount of water without unnecessary waste.
Raise Your Mowing Height
It may seem like cutting your grass shorter means mowing less often, but mowing too low can actually increase stress during Louisiana's hottest months.
Taller grass blades provide natural shade for the soil, helping it retain moisture while encouraging deeper root growth.
For warm-season grasses common in South Louisiana:
St. Augustine Grass: 3.5–4 inches
Centipede Grass: 1.5–2 inches
Bermuda Grass: 1–2 inches
Never remove more than one-third of the grass blade during a single mowing.
Keep Mulch Fresh
Mulch is one of the best tools for protecting plants during August.
A fresh layer of mulch helps:
Retain soil moisture
Regulate soil temperatures
Reduce weed growth
Prevent soil erosion during heavy rain
Improve the appearance of landscape beds
Maintain approximately two to three inches of mulch around shrubs, trees, and flower beds.
Be careful not to pile mulch directly against tree trunks or the base of shrubs, as this can trap moisture and encourage disease.
Watch for Heat Stress
Even established plants can show signs of heat stress during extended periods of high temperatures.
Symptoms include:
Wilting despite moist soil
Brown leaf edges
Leaf scorch
Premature leaf drop
Slow growth
Plants installed earlier in the year may require extra attention since their root systems are still developing.
Providing supplemental water during extended dry periods can help reduce stress.
Monitor for Lawn Diseases
August's combination of heat and humidity creates ideal conditions for certain fungal diseases.
Keep an eye out for:
Brown patches
Yellowing grass
Circular dead areas
Mushy or thinning turf
Proper mowing, adequate airflow, and avoiding excessive watering can reduce disease pressure.
If symptoms spread quickly, professional diagnosis and treatment may be necessary.
Stay Ahead of Weeds
Warm-season weeds continue growing throughout August.
Some of the most common weeds in South Louisiana include:
Doveweed
Nutsedge
Crabgrass
Virginia buttonweed
Dollarweed
Removing weeds while they're young prevents them from producing seeds and spreading further.
Maintaining a thick, healthy lawn is still the most effective long-term weed control strategy.
Prune Carefully
While major pruning is usually best left for cooler months, August is a good time to remove:
Dead branches
Broken limbs
Diseased growth
Storm-damaged branches
Avoid heavy pruning during periods of extreme heat, as this can place additional stress on trees and shrubs.
Inspect Your Irrigation System
Mid-summer is the perfect time to make sure your irrigation system is operating efficiently.
Check for:
Broken sprinkler heads
Uneven coverage
Leaks
Clogged nozzles
Overspray onto sidewalks or driveways
Even a small leak can waste significant amounts of water over time while leaving portions of your landscape underwatered.
Routine inspections help keep your system performing at its best.
Give Newly Installed Plants Extra Attention
Trees, shrubs, and flowers planted within the past year are more vulnerable to August heat than established landscapes.
New plants benefit from:
Regular deep watering
Fresh mulch
Weed-free planting beds
Monitoring for signs of stress
Although established plants can often tolerate short dry periods, younger plants generally require more consistent moisture until their roots become established.
Start Planning for Fall Landscaping
While August is still hot, it's an excellent time to begin planning projects for the cooler months ahead.
Fall is one of the best seasons in South Louisiana for:
Planting trees
Installing shrubs
Landscape renovations
Fresh mulch
New planting beds
Hardscape projects such as patios and walkways
Planning ahead allows you to schedule projects before the busy fall season begins.
Prepare for Hurricane Season
August is also a reminder that hurricane season is well underway.
Before severe weather arrives:
Remove dead tree limbs.
Secure outdoor furniture and décor.
Check that drainage systems are clear.
Inspect trees for damaged or weak branches.
Trim limbs that could interfere with your home or power lines.
Taking preventative measures now can reduce storm damage and make cleanup easier after severe weather.
A Little Maintenance Goes a Long Way
Although August can be challenging, consistent maintenance helps your landscape remain healthy until cooler temperatures return.
Simple tasks like proper mowing, deep watering, refreshing mulch, monitoring irrigation, and watching for pests and diseases can make a significant difference in the health and appearance of your property.
If you're unsure whether your lawn or landscape is getting the care it needs, professional maintenance can help protect your investment while saving you time during one of the busiest months of the year.
At Emerald Landscapes, we help homeowners throughout South Louisiana keep their landscapes healthy through every season. Whether you need routine lawn maintenance, irrigation services, landscape enhancements, or expert advice, our experienced team is here to help.
Contact Emerald Landscapes today to schedule a consultation and keep your landscape looking its best through August and beyond.
