Louisiana summers are hot, humid, and intense—conditions that can take a serious toll on your landscape if you’re not proactive. At Bayou Verde, we understand how challenging it can be to keep your outdoor space looking vibrant through months of heat and unpredictable rain. As a trusted landscape company in Metairie, we’ve seen firsthand how small missteps in summer lawn care can snowball into larger issues. Here are five common mistakes to avoid to keep your yard healthy, green, and stress-free during the peak of the season.
1. Cutting Your Grass Too Short
It might seem like mowing your lawn shorter means mowing less often—but this approach can backfire. Cutting your grass too short weakens the root system and exposes the soil to direct sunlight, increasing evaporation and making it harder for grass to retain moisture. In the Louisiana heat, this can quickly lead to brown, patchy, or stressed-out turf.
The better move? Raise your mower blade a notch or two during the summer months. This helps grass develop deeper roots and retain shade at the soil level, improving overall lawn health and water efficiency.
2. Overwatering or Watering at the Wrong Time
While summer lawns do need more hydration, many homeowners end up overwatering or watering at the wrong time of day. Watering during midday can cause rapid evaporation, meaning less water reaches the roots. Overwatering, especially in Louisiana’s humid climate, can also encourage fungal diseases and weaken your landscape’s natural resilience.
The ideal watering schedule is early in the morning, around 5–9 a.m., when temperatures are lower and the sun hasn’t reached full strength. A deep soak a few times a week is far more effective than daily light watering. If you’re not sure where to begin, a landscape company in Metairie like Bayou Verde can install or optimize your irrigation system for more consistent results.
3. Neglecting Mulch in Plant Beds
Mulch is more than just a decorative element—it’s a crucial layer of protection during the summer months. Without mulch, plant roots are exposed to excessive heat, weeds take over more easily, and water evaporates faster from the soil.
Using the right mulch helps regulate soil temperature, retain moisture, and suppress weed growth. Organic mulch types like pine bark or shredded hardwood are great options for Louisiana landscapes, providing both aesthetic appeal and functional benefits. Replenish mulch annually to ensure full coverage and healthy plant growth.
4. Planting the Wrong Species for Summer
Another major mistake is planting non-native or cool-season plants during the summer heat. These plants may look good initially but struggle to survive the intense sun, high humidity, and occasional downpours that characterize Louisiana’s summer season.
Instead, focus on native plants, heat-tolerant grasses, and drought-resistant shrubs that are adapted to the Gulf South climate. These selections will not only thrive with less maintenance but also support local ecosystems and pollinators. At Bayou Verde, our landscape design and installation services focus on choosing plant materials that are meant to flourish in our unique regional conditions.
5. Ignoring Drainage Problems
Louisiana is no stranger to summer storms. Heavy rain combined with poor drainage can lead to pooling water, soil erosion, root rot, and even damage to your home’s foundation.
Too often, drainage is an afterthought when it should be a core component of your landscaping plan. Whether you’re dealing with low spots in the yard or water runoff from nearby structures, professional solutions like French drains, grading corrections, or strategically placed beds can redirect excess water and protect your landscape. Bayou Verde offers irrigation and drainage solutions tailored to Louisiana yards, ensuring water flows where it should—away from your plants and structures.
Keep Your Landscape Thriving All Summer Long
Louisiana summers may be challenging, but with the right strategies and professional support, your yard can remain healthy and beautiful year-round. At Bayou Verde, we’re more than just a landscape company in Metairie—we’re your local partner in creating and maintaining outdoor spaces that work with the climate, not against it.
Ready to correct or avoid these common summer landscaping mistakes? Contact Bayou Verde today and let’s give your yard the care it deserves!