Your Yard Is Talking: What August Reveals About Your Landscape August is actually one of the best times of year to evaluate your landscape. Why? Because right now, your yard can’t hide its problems. After weeks of Utah heat, you can clearly see what’s working—and what isn’t. Here are 5 things to look for: 1. Plants that constantly wilt Some temporary wilting is normal, but plants that struggle every afternoon may be in the wrong location, have inadequate irrigation, or simply aren’t suited for our climate. 2. Dry spots in the lawn Before increasing your watering time, check your sprinkler coverage. Often the problem isn’t a lack of water—it’s poor distribution. 3. Plants that are thriving with very little attention Take note of these! They’re showing you what actually works in your specific microclimate. 4. Areas that feel unbearably hot Large expanses of rock, concrete, artificial turf, and other hard surfaces can absorb and radiate tremendous amounts of heat. A low-water landscape doesn’t have to mean a hot landscape. Strategic trees, shrubs, grasses, groundcovers, and living plant material can make a huge difference. 5. Empty or struggling areas of the landscape Don’t necessarily rush to fix them right now. August is a great time to observe and plan. Fall is one of the best planting seasons in Utah, and what you’re seeing today can help you make much better decisions in September and October. The goal of a water-wise landscape isn’t to create a yard that simply uses less water. It’s to create a landscape that becomes more resilient, more comfortable, and easier to maintain over time. So before August ends, walk your property and ask: What is my landscape trying to tell me? Drop a picture in the comments if you have an area you’re struggling with. I’d be happy to take a look.

An extreme example but I’m just not sold on the benefits of weed barrier fabric. Not that it can’t be useful in some circumstances…but if it turns on you and becomes the enemy. You’ll wish you found other ways to deal with weeds.