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Heat Wave in the Garden: How Northeast Florida Homeowners Can Prepare Their Landscapes for Dry, Warm Weather

Serving Families Throughout Atlantic Beach
Prepare Your Northeast Florida Landscape for Heat and Drought

Spring and summer in Northeast Florida often bring long stretches of dry, warm temperatures. While the sunny days are beautiful, they can also be tough on your landscape. With the right preparation—and help from Rockaway Sustainable Landscaping—you can keep your yard thriving even during the hottest months.

Here’s how to prepare your landscape for the heat, spot the early signs of stress in your plants, and choose drought-tolerant options that still bring beauty and color to your outdoor space.

Recognizing Heat Stress in Plants

Most plants prefer temperatures between 59°–86°F. When heat waves push temperatures above 90°F for days at a time, plants start to struggle. Above 104°F, the risk of lasting damage increases dramatically.

Common signs of heat stress include:

  • Leaf Rolling and Cupping: Especially in crops like tomatoes and corn, where the leaves fold inward to conserve moisture.

  • Wilting: Drooping plants during the day that bounce back overnight are showing early heat stress signs.

  • Dry Leaf Edges: Margins of leaves drying out as plants sacrifice non-essential parts.

  • Blossom and Fruit Drop: Heat-stressed plants often shed flowers or fruit to conserve energy.

  • Bolting: Cool-season vegetables like lettuce and cilantro may prematurely flower and go to seed.

  • Sunscald: Fruits such as tomatoes and melons can develop blistered, discolored patches.

  • Ozone Damage: In high-heat, poor-air conditions, plants like tomatoes can develop dry, brown leaf spots.

Understanding these symptoms early allows you to act before the damage becomes irreversible.

How to Protect Your Landscape from Heat Stress

1. Water Properly

Deep, consistent watering is critical. A professionally installed and maintained irrigation system from Rockaway Sustainable Landscaping ensures that:

  • Roots grow deep, improving drought resistance.

  • Water is applied early in the morning to reduce evaporation.

  • Specific zones are customized for plant type and soil needs.

2. Use Mulch

A fresh layer of mulch slows evaporation, insulates roots from extreme heat, and reduces weeds competing for water.

3. Provide Shade

Move container plants to shaded areas, or install temporary shade structures for sensitive plants.

4. Group Plants Strategically

Plant drought-tolerant species together in “hydrozones” for efficient watering and maintenance.

5. Pause Major Landscaping Activities

Avoid planting, transplanting, heavy pruning, or fertilizing during heat waves. These activities add stress and can cause additional damage.

Best Drought-Tolerant Plants for Northeast Florida

Choosing heat-loving plants can help your landscape not only survive but thrive during the hottest months. Here are some native and non-native favorites:

Trees

  • Gumbo Limbo (Bursera simaruba) – Thrives in heat and humidity.

  • Live Oak (Quercus virginiana) – Sturdy and resilient, a true Florida classic.

  • Saw Palmetto (Serenoa repens) – Handles extreme heat and dry spells with ease.

Shrubs and Vines

  • Firebush (Hamelia patens) – Bright blooms that attract pollinators and tolerate extreme conditions.

  • Beautyberry (Callicarpa americana) – Hardy with gorgeous purple berries.

  • Coral Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens) – A hummingbird favorite that loves the heat.

Ground Covers and Perennials

  • Lantana (Lantana spp.) – Vibrant color, drought-tolerant, and attracts butterflies.

  • Yucca (Yucca spp.) – Hardy, architectural, and perfect for full sun.

  • Tickseed (Coreopsis spp.) – Florida’s state wildflower, tough and colorful.

  • Butterflyweed (Asclepias tuberosa) – Essential for Monarch butterflies and thrives in dry soils.

  • Sunshine Mimosa (Mimosa strigillosa) – Durable ground cover with pink powder puff blooms.

  • Blue Daze (Evolvulus glomeratus) – Low-growing, sun-loving blue flowers.

Why Choose Rockaway Sustainable Landscaping?

Rockaway offers complete irrigation services starting with a detailed consultation and inspection. We provide a full audit, including a color-coded zone map, and review our findings with you to recommend repairs or a new system. Our designers are well-versed in the latest irrigation technologies that maximize sprinkler coverage and efficiency. We specialize in low-water use systems, using the newest drip and micro irrigation technology. After design, our team installs the system using durable components and best practices, with a head technician verifying everything runs properly and efficiently. Our team combines local expertise with sustainable practices to create landscapes that are beautiful, resilient, and sustainable. . 

Prepare now for the heat ahead!
Contact us today for a consultation and keep your landscape healthy and stunning through every season.

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