July Landscape Priorities for Hammond, Louisiana: Irrigation, Hurricane Prep, and Drought Awareness

July brings intense heat and unpredictable weather to Hammond, Louisiana. With high humidity, long dry spells, and the threat of summer storms, your lawn and landscape face some of the toughest conditions of the year. Staying on top of seasonal chores—especially irrigation, storm prep, and monitoring for drought stress—can help your yard stay healthy through the peak of summer.

💧 Irrigation Is More Important Than Ever

As rainfall becomes inconsistent and temperatures climb, proper watering is essential. Your plants and lawn are using more water than usual to survive the heat, and falling behind on irrigation can quickly lead to stress and decline.

Recommended Watering Guidelines for Hammond Lawns:

Lawns need 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week, including any rain.
Water early in the morning (5–9 a.m.) to reduce evaporation and help prevent fungal disease.
Deep and infrequent watering is better than shallow daily watering—it encourages deeper, stronger root growth.

Check Your Irrigation System:

Make sure all sprinkler heads and drip lines are working properly and providing even coverage.
Repair any leaks or blockages to avoid wasted water.
Adjust any misdirected spray heads that may be watering sidewalks, driveways, or walls.

🌪 Prepare Your Landscape for Hurricane Season

Hurricane season is well underway in July, and Hammond residents know how quickly storms can develop. Taking a few proactive steps now can protect your property and save time and money later.

Hurricane Prep Tips for Your Yard:

Trim trees and large shrubs to remove weak, dead, or overhanging branches that could fall in strong winds.
Secure loose items like outdoor furniture, planters, and yard decorations that could become dangerous debris.
Clear gutters and drainage areas to prevent flooding around your home and garden beds.
Inspect your trees for signs of instability like leaning, cracked trunks, or shallow roots—these could be a hazard in high winds.

☀️ Watch for Drought Stress

Even with occasional summer showers, July often brings stretches of dry weather. Drought stress can sneak up quickly in Hammond’s heat, especially on new or shallow-rooted plants.

Common Signs of Drought Stress:

Lawns: Grass blades turn bluish-gray or fold inward; footprints remain visible after walking.
Shrubs and Trees: Wilting or curling leaves, early leaf drop, or crispy leaf edges.
Flowers and Beds: Dull or faded foliage, reduced blooming, or scorched leaf tips.

What You Can Do:

Prioritize watering newly planted trees, shrubs, and bedding plants, as they are most vulnerable.
Avoid fertilizing or heavily pruning plants under drought stress—it can make things worse.
Add or refresh 2–3 inches of mulch around your beds to help conserve moisture and shield roots from extreme temperatures.

🌱 Keep Your Hammond Yard Healthy All Summer Long

By prioritizing irrigation, staying prepared for hurricanes, and keeping an eye out for drought symptoms, you can protect your lawn and landscape from the harshest conditions of the season. July can be challenging for outdoor spaces, but a little extra attention goes a long way in keeping everything healthy, green, and storm-ready.

Need help checking your irrigation system or prepping your yard for storm season? Reach out to a trusted local landscape professional in Hammond for expert assistance.