Leigh Howell Love Landscape Design, Inc.

02/18/2026

Spring is coming!

06/04/2025

Brunnera-one of my favorite part shade/full shade perennials!

05/30/2025

03/28/2025

Springing!

03/24/2025

Tree time!

03/20/2025

Garden totems…coming soon!!

03/11/2025

Oak Tree preliminary design almost ready for presentation.

01/29/2025

Scheming for spring!

03/20/2024

Dawn Pablo enjoying an appetizer from the self serve buffet to celebrate the first day of Spring!

07/17/2023

HEAT STRESS & MANAGEMENT TIPS

When a heat wave hits, plants may show the impact.
Most plants grow best in temperature ranges 59-86°F.
When temperatures above 90°F are sustained for long periods, plant growth is slowed, and some plants begin to show signs of stress.

Above 104°F, many plants will survive but will show different signs of heat stress dependent on plant type, maturity of the plant, and factors that often come with high temperatures, such as drought or wind.
Extreme air and soil temperatures slow down chemical activity and growth in plants.

What are signs of heat stress in plants?
Leaf rolling and cupping
Corn and tomatoes are among many plants that commonly roll their leaves or cup in response to heat. Leaf surface area is minimized, and stomata (microscopic openings in leaves, like pores, that allow movement of moisture and gasses) close. Together, these reduce moisture loss in the plant.

Wilting
Wilting occurs when low moisture in the plant creates a lack of water pressure within the plant. Common in non-woody annuals and perennials, many plants will recover when temperatures drop. Potential for permanent damage increases with the length of time that a plant remains wilted. Plants that wilt during the hottest part of the day, and recover in the evening and early morning, are likely suffering from heat stress.

How to reduce heat stress in plants

Watering
While recommendations regarding the ideal timing of watering vary, deep watering is preferred over shallow watering. Morning watering is often prescribed in times of high heat, but wilted plants should be watered as soon as is reasonable to minimize the time spent in a wilted state.

Mulch
Mulch conserves moisture in the soil by slowing evaporation and minimizing temperature fluctuation in the soil. Shallowly rooted and young plants will be most impacted when the top few inches of soil are hot and dry.

Provide shade
Move containers where they get shade. Provide shade cloth or other means of shade, where possible. Heat stress is compounded when other plant stressors like drought, wind, or intense sun are also present. If using a shade device not typically used for gardening, like a beach or picnic umbrella, consider adding it in the late morning and removing it towards the end of the day so plants get some direct sunlight. Be prepared for plants that are heavily shaded for long periods to “stretch” towards more light.