How to Prepare Your Commercial Landscape for Summer Heat

As temperatures rise in the Pacific Northwest, so do the challenges for maintaining a healthy and vibrant commercial landscape. Intense sun, prolonged dry spells, and unexpected heat waves can cause serious stress on turf, plants, and irrigation systems. 

But with a proactive approach, property managers and business owners can protect their investment, promote sustainability, and keep their landscapes looking their best through the heat of summer.

In this article, we share expert strategies for preventing commercial landscape heat stress, optimizing irrigation, and choosing drought-resistant plants that thrive in Washington's summer climate.

‍

1. Understand the Signs of Heat Stress

Heat stress in commercial landscapes often shows up as wilted plants, scorched turf, premature leaf drop, or brown patches. In the Pacific Northwest, where summers are becoming increasingly hotter and drier, these symptoms may emerge earlier in the season and can escalate quickly.

Properties with shallow root systems, poor soil quality, and compacted ground, which are especially common in urban and suburban developments around Tacoma, Seattle, and Olympia, are especially vulnerable.

Catching these symptoms early allows you to take corrective action before irreversible damage occurs. Regular summer landscaping inspections, particularly during July and August, can help identify stressors and prioritize care.

‍

2. Optimize Your Irrigation Schedule

One of the most effective ways to combat summer heat stress is smart watering. But more isn’t always better. Overwatering can be just as harmful as under-watering, especially in compact urban soils. In Western Washington, many commercial landscapes face the added challenge of inconsistent rainfall patterns. June may start off damp, but by July and August, drought-like conditions are common.

We recommend evaluating your current system and updating it to include smart controllers, drip irrigation, and zoning adjustments. A professional irrigation system inspection and maintenance can ensure water is distributed efficiently without waste. This is particularly important in municipalities with seasonal watering restrictions, such as Pierce and King counties.

For more water-saving insights, read: Maximizing Irrigation Efficiency for Hot Summer Months.

‍

3. Mulch to Conserve Moisture

Mulch isn’t just for aesthetics—it’s a powerful tool for protecting plant roots from heat. A 2–3" layer of organic mulch helps regulate soil temperature, reduces evaporation, and suppresses weeds.

This is especially helpful in areas with full sun exposure, such as parking lot islands, building entrances, and streetscapes. These locations heat up quickly and can suffer from rapid moisture loss.

We offer commercial mulch installation services tailored for large-scale properties across Tacoma and the Puget Sound region. It’s an affordable upgrade with major benefits for long-term plant health and water conservation.

‍

‍

4. Choose Drought-Resistant Plants

When redesigning or upgrading plant beds, choose materials known for their durability in dry conditions. In the Pacific Northwest, native plants such as Oregon grape, red-flowering currant, salal, and evergreen huckleberry perform well with minimal irrigation once established. Ornamental grasses like blue fescue and drought-tolerant groundcovers like kinnikinnick also provide visual interest and resilience.

By incorporating drought-resistant plants into your property, you not only reduce maintenance costs but also contribute to a more resilient, sustainable landscape. These materials are ideal for commercial sites where long-term viability matters and water conservation is a growing concern.

‍

5. Embrace Sustainability with Certified Experts

At Nasim Landscape, we believe sustainable solutions are the future of commercial landscaping. Our team includes EcoPRO-certified professionals trained in Integrated Pest Management (IPM), water conservation, and plant health care. These credentials ensure your landscape is cared for using environmentally responsible practices that align with Washington State Department of Ecology guidelines.

Our sustainable programs emphasize native plant integration, low-impact maintenance, and water-smart strategies—all of which are especially important in regions experiencing the effects of climate change and shifting weather patterns.

Learn how our sustainable landscaping approach can benefit your property while protecting the planet.

‍

Prepare Now, Thrive All Season

The summer heat doesn’t have to be a threat. With preventative planning, smart technology, and eco-friendly practices, your commercial property can stand up to the heat and stay beautiful all season long.

Whether you're managing a corporate campus in Kent, a retail center in Tacoma, or a multi-family community in Puyallup, Nasim Landscape is here to help. Let us take the heat off you, so your landscape thrives no matter the forecast.

‍