ST. LUCIE COUNTY \u2014 We have been experiencing high daytime temperatures in the 90s, with heat indices feeling well above 100\u00b0F along Florida\u2019s Treasure Coast. Whatever the cause \u2014 El Ni\u00f1o, La Ni\u00f1a, or another global climate phenomenon\u2014the reality is that working outdoors during these extreme temperatures can be brutal. Landscape workers need to take precautions to protect themselves from heat-related illness, while homeowners and landscape professionals must also adjust their landscaping practices to protect plants from heat stress.<\/p>\n
Extreme heat can affect the effectiveness and safety of landscape practices, including the application of herbicides to turfgrass. Applying herbicides during periods of high temperature can increase the risk of injury to turf and other plants, even when the product is applied according to the label rate. Similarly, improper fertilizer applications during extreme heat can injure turfgrass.<\/p>\n
Before applying fertilizer to a landscape in St. Lucie County, be sure to check whether the fertilizer application ban is in effect. St. Lucie County\u2019s annual fertilizer ban runs from June 1 through Sept. 30.<\/p>\n
Tips to Minimize the Effects of Extreme Heat on Landscape Workers<\/p>\n
During the summer months, landscapers can take several steps to reduce the effects of heat:<\/p>\n
\u2022 Wear lightweight, breathable clothing. Linen, lightweight cotton, and appropriate synthetic blends can help keep the body cooler. Light-colored, breathable fabrics can also reduce heat absorption.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Take frequent water breaks. Do not wait until you feel exhausted or extremely thirsty before taking a break. Hydrate regularly throughout the workday.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Start hydrating early. If you know you will be working outdoors the following day, make sure you are adequately hydrated beforehand.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Protect yourself from the sun. Wear a breathable, broad-brimmed hat with a sweatband. A wet cooling towel\u2014or even a regular wet towel\u2014around the neck can provide additional relief.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Protect your skin. Wear long-sleeved shirts when practical to reduce direct sun exposure. Long-term exposure to ultraviolet radiation increases the risk of skin cancer.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Schedule strenuous work wisely. When possible, perform physically demanding activities during the cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late evening.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Dress appropriately for the task. Shorts may be suitable for some landscape activities, but for safety, never wear shorts when operating a chainsaw or string trimmer, or when applying pesticides. Always follow appropriate personal protective equipment requirements on pesticide labels.<\/p>\n
Have an Action Plan for Your Plants<\/p>\n
Extreme heat can be just as stressful for plants as it is for people. The first step in developing a heat-management strategy is selecting plants that are well suited to your USDA hardiness zone and the conditions of your landscape. Not every plant performs well under extreme temperatures.<\/p>\n
Before installing a plant, learn about its temperature, water, sunlight, and soil requirements. If you inherited an established landscape, take the time to identify the plants and learn about their growing requirements. Always remember the Florida-Friendly Landscaping\u2122 principle: Right Plant, Right Place.<\/p>\n
Use Mulch to Conserve Moisture<\/p>\n
Mulch helps suppress weeds and conserve soil moisture. Applying approximately 3 to 4 inches of mulch in landscape beds and around the base of trees and other landscape plants can reduce weed growth and the amount of time spent pulling weeds.<\/p>\n
When choosing mulch, consider quality organic materials such as melaleuca or pine bark. Inorganic materials such as pebbles and rubber mulch can suppress weeds, but they generally do not provide the same moisture-conservation benefits as organic mulch. Some inorganic surfaces can also absorb or reflect solar radiation and contribute to higher temperatures around plants.<\/p>\n
Avoid Scalping Your Lawn<\/p>\n
Mowing grass too short is known as scalping. Scalping increases stress on turfgrass and can make the lawn more vulnerable during periods of extreme heat. Maintain your lawn at the recommended mowing height for the particular turfgrass species rather than cutting it excessively short.<\/p>\n
If rainfall is inadequate, irrigation may be necessary to help maintain healthy turf. When irrigation is needed, the best time is generally during the early morning, before the heat of the day. Irrigating at night can leave foliage wet for extended periods and may encourage disease, while watering during the hottest part of the day can result in greater water loss through evaporation.<\/p>\n
Plan Ahead for Your Next Landscape<\/p>\n
When designing or renovating a landscape, consider these basic principles:<\/p>\n
1. Right plant, right place.<\/p>\n
2. Choose low-maintenance plants.<\/p>\n
3. Group plants according to their water needs.<\/p>\n
4. Use organic mulch to conserve soil moisture and suppress weeds.<\/p>\n
Planning a landscape around the needs of both plants and people can reduce maintenance, conserve water, and help landscapes better withstand the extreme heat of Florida summers.<\/p>\n