How to Keep Your Commercial Landscape Thriving During the Summer Heat

When summer heat builds, outdoor areas face more than just cosmetic challenges. Dry lawns, stressed trees and cracked paving can affect appearance, safety and budgets. Proactive care makes a difference. Working with experienced Commercial Landscapers helps businesses in the West Midlands preserve their landscapes while keeping costs under control.

How do you keep a commercial landscape healthy during summer heat? You protect planting with mulch and morning watering, use efficient irrigation systems, maintain hard surfaces, and focus on safety. Regular hazard sweeps, heat-tolerant plant choices, and preventative maintenance keep sites attractive and safe while reducing long-term costs.

Protecting Plant Health During Heatwaves

Young trees, shrubs, beds and planters are especially vulnerable to hot, dry weather. To protect them:

• Apply mulch at the right depth to reduce evaporation

• Water early in the morning when uptake is highest

• Use temporary shading for sensitive plants

• Adjust planting near wind-prone areas to reduce stress

Green roofs and planters should be monitored closely, as their soil dries faster than ground beds.

Irrigation Efficiency and Smart Water Use

Water systems often waste more than they save if unchecked. Mid-summer is the time to:

• Audit irrigation for leaks and blocked emitters

• Group plants with similar water needs into the same zones

• Install smart controllers and soil moisture sensors

• Consider drought-tolerant species for future projects

Efficient irrigation reduces bills and avoids overwatering, which can be as damaging as drought.

Preventing Hardscape Damage from Heat and Drought

Hot summers affect paved areas as much as lawns. Risks include:

• Joints failing between slabs

• Surfaces lifting due to expansion

• Cracks appearing in driveways and kerbs

• Dust build-up reducing safety and cleanliness

Expansion gaps, cleaning programmes and occasional sealing help protect hardscapes through peak heat.

Maintaining Safety for Staff and Visitors

Summer hazards are not just about slipping on wet leaves. Dry paths and surfaces can shift or crack, creating trip hazards. Key tasks include:

• Clearing entrances and pathways for full sightlines

• Sweeping dry dust and pollen that may cause irritation

• Managing outdoor seating or smoking areas to ensure shade and comfort

• Monitoring wasp activity and keeping bin areas clear to avoid pest build-up

Safety inspections protect staff, visitors and reputation.

Keeping Your Premises Visually Appealing

A neat landscape reflects directly on the brand. To keep appearances strong in the heat:

• Rotate planting with heat-tolerant flowers for seasonal colour

• Place high-impact planters near entrances for a welcoming effect

• Selectively mow lawns, leaving slightly longer stripes to retain moisture

• Carry out quick, high-visibility improvements before audits or VIP visits

Small changes can keep grounds looking cared for even during drought.

Cost Savings Through Preventative Maintenance

Preventative tasks save money in the long run. Benefits include:

• Reduced water bills through efficient irrigation schedules

• Lower replacement costs for stressed plants

• Fewer emergency repairs to cracked paving or damaged lawns

• Long-term savings through lifecycle planning for both planting and hard surfaces

Prevention keeps budgets under control without compromising quality.

Why Professional Commercial Landscapers Make a Difference

Experienced contractors bring:

• Tailored maintenance schedules that adapt to site needs

• Professional risk assessments and RAMS

• Seasonal planning that anticipates issues

• Consistent standards across multiple sites

Working with professional landscape contractors means every area is managed proactively, rather than reactively, through the summer.

West Midlands Focus: Local Conditions and Site Types

Urban business parks often experience “heat island” effects where tarmac and brick amplify temperatures. Retail car parks face additional litter and dust. Healthcare and education campuses need shaded, safe areas for staff, patients or students. The local context shapes priorities, from planting choices to cleaning routines.

Weekly Heatwave Protocol (Checklist)

1. Check irrigation function and leaks

2. Top up mulch in priority beds and planters

3. Water young trees and shrubs early morning

4. Sweep paths and kerbs for hazards

5. Inspect bins and store areas for pests and odours

6. Deadhead planters to encourage fresh blooms

7. Prepare a short photo report for site managers

Reactive vs Proactive Summer Care

Aspect	Reactive Care	Proactive Summer Care
Plant survival	High replacement costs after damage	Plants protected with mulch and watering
Appearance	Grounds decline in heat	Maintained with colour rotations and mowing
Costs	Emergency repairs and higher bills	Reduced through efficiency and planning
Safety	Hazards discovered too late	Risks managed with regular inspections

FAQs

What time of day should commercial sites be watered in summer? 

Early morning is best, as cooler temperatures reduce evaporation and plants absorb more water effectively.

How can we reduce water use without harming plants? 

Use smart controllers, mulch to retain soil moisture, and group plants with similar water needs in the same irrigation zone.

Which heat-tolerant plants work well for entrances and planters? 

Drought-tolerant bedding such as geraniums, salvias and ornamental grasses provide colour and resilience.

Should we mow lawns during a drought? 

Yes, but mow less frequently and keep grass slightly longer to retain soil moisture and reduce stress.

How often should irrigation systems be audited?

At least once per season, ideally at the start of summer, with follow-ups if problems are spotted.

To protect your site during hot weather, contact Brewood Landscapes. Their team of experienced Commercial Landscapers can provide tailored summer maintenance plans, irrigation audits and planting refreshes for businesses across the West Midlands.