Summer is the time to finish installations and to take steps to prepare for the long, hot summer months. Devin Skillman, Liberty Parks and Recreation's horticulturist, has some suggestions for your summer landscaping projects.
Heat and drought may stress newly planted material. Therefore, it is important to lay down a significant layer of mulch to help keep ample moisture in the topsoil, which will prevent the ground from becoming a hardpan (i.e., soil that doesn't allow good water percolation). Once the soil has hardened, which typically happens during drought conditions, any rain that does fall will run off and not penetrate the root zone.
Native species will do much better during a drought than common landscaping ornamentals. Mid-summer is a difficult time to plant due to root stress.Consider landscaping with native plants, which have deeper root systems that substantially increase the ability of soil to absorb and retain water.
This time of year is an excellent time to attack those pesky weeds by pulling or spraying. The roots of weeds may have a tight hold on the soil, making it difficult to pull them by hand. Use a tool, like a dandelion fork or wide-blade screwdriver, to help dig out the root.