With the new year and the spring-like temperatures, we want to offer our perspective on what the past few years have meant for our clients' landscapes.
In 2022 we had some record-breaking climate events. In the spring, fewer days of sunlight and lower temperatures through May affected fruit crops and many flowering plants. This resulted in fewer blooms and fruit for many plants.
That was followed by the driest summer ever in Seattle. From June 21 to September 22, only 0.50 inches of rain fell. Summer 2022 also had record-breaking heat, with 13 days at or above 90 degrees.
It wasn't just last year. 2021 also had some record-breaking weather, including a heat wave in June where temperatures topped 100 degrees and an October heat wave with 88 degree temps. As the climate changes, hotter, drier summers are becoming the new normal.
As a result of this extreme weather, we have found heat and sun damage in many landscapes over the past two years. Even many mature plants and trees are starting to show accumulative drought stress from several years of extended summer heat and low precipitation.
Lawns suffer too
Many of our clients' lawns have suffered in the recent weather patterns. Last spring's abundant rain and low sunlight provided optimal conditions for moss.
The extremely hot, dry summer was also hard on lawns. Lawns that don't receive regular water in summer become thin and unhealthy. Roots dry out, and patches of lawn fail to recover.
When fall rains return, weeds and moss fill in thin and bare spaces. This is magnified when there are successive days of 85 degrees F or higher.
What does this mean for 2023?
Seattle just had its driest January in 22 years, with 3.09 inches of rainfall. That's 53% of the normal rainfall, according to the National Weather Service.
It's not too early to think about preparing for dry weather.
We highly recommend regular summer watering for both lawns and ornamental trees and shrubs. This includes landscapes with native plants.
We do not recommend letting your lawn go dormant in summer. We will not use herbicides on lawns that have been allowed to grow thin and weak due to lack of water.
Do you have the equipment and supplies you need to do an effective job watering your landscape? Stock up on items such as sprinklers, soaker hoses, timers and hose-end sprayers.
Our YouTube playlist offers a wealth of tips on watering your lawn and garden. Learn how to water your plants more effectively while saving money on water.
Most important tip: water slowly and deeply so water penetrates deep into the root zone. Plants will develop deep roots, making them more resilient and less likely to suffer drought stress.
If you have an irrigation system, we recommend getting it ready early. In the peak season, irrigation service providers can be booked out several months.
We understand the expense of watering through the summer can be a shock. But the alternative is the potential removal and replacement of trees and shrubs. This is an expensive proposition, and it may take many years for your plants to mature and fill out the landscape.
