Nine Smart Summer Watering Tips for Central Indiana Yards

Indiana summers feel like they just keep getting hotter and drier. If you haven’t adjusted your watering before the weatherman declares a drought, your plants may already be in trouble. 

Is your landscaping protected ? Learn how to stay ahead of the heat and water efficiently to protect your lawn and garden, especially during drought, with these smart summer watering tips from the experts at Heath Outdoor.

1. Setup for success.

Choosing plants wisely is just as important as how you maintain them. 

• Start by selecting plants that will be happy in the conditions of your yard. Be mindful of sun exposure and soil. 
  • Different soil types and textures drain at different rates. The majority of Central Indiana is clay, which typically drains slowly and holds water for longer periods of time. 
• Be aware of how rain water run-off from gutters and slopes on your property can affect watering and care.

2. Mulch Matters. 

A 2 to 4 inch layer of mulch around your plants goes a long way in retaining moisture. Beyond that, mulch helps to:  

• Regulate soil temperature. 
• Reduce evaporation.
• Prevent weeds.

Be sure to not place the mulch right up against the base of the plant to prevent root rotting.

3. Keep an eye on the sky.

When the weather forecast calls for a week or more without rain it’s a good time to pay close attention to watering. Keep in mind that it’s likely your plants have been feeling the heat before the drought arrives.

• Invest in a rain gauge to get a more precise reading on just how much rain your landscape has received.
• Set a reminder on your calendar to check the gauge at the same time daily. 
• Empty your gauge on the same day every week for the most accurate picture.

4. Listen to your plants.

Signs of drought stress typically begin to show at the top of a plant and move downward. Symptoms will appear on the outer parts of the plan before the inner and include: 

• Leaves that: 
  • Wilt. 
  • Droop. 
  • Turn yellow or brown.
  • Curl or fold inward. 
  • Crumble easily. 

• Overall decreased or stunted growth. 

If a plant or tree starts to have yellow foliage, it could also be a sign of over watering. Check by digging around the root ball to see if the soil is overly moist or smells swampy. This indicates that the soil is too wet and roots are rotting.

5. Age + Type of plant + Season = Different watering needs.

Sufficient watering can vary greatly based on the season, age, or type of plant. It’s important to the longevity of your plant to cater specifically to those factors. 

• Watering needs of a plant differ between the first month after install and within its first year.
• Established plants can often go much longer without watering.
• Prioritize young trees, shrubs, and perennials, which are more vulnerable than mature plants.

Use this handy new plant watering guide to help with the details.

6. Let the lawn rest. 

The average garden and lawn needs about 1 inch of water a week. During drought, Indiana grasses tend to go dormant and turn brown. They’re not dead, just in recovery mode. 

• Avoid mowing or heavy foot traffic during drought stress. 
• Save fertilizing for when the drought lifts. It encourages growth your lawn can’t support. 
• Once rain returns, most Central Indiana grasses will bounce back on their own.

7. Timing is everything.

Watering in the heat of the day causes the water to evaporate more quickly. Watering in the evening slows the drying time which promotes fungal disease. 

• Try to get the hose out in the cooler morning hours.
• Watering in the morning is especially crucial if watering overhead. It allows the leaves time to dry. 
• If watering in the evening, be sure to keep plant leaves dry to avoid fungus setting in overnight.

8. Water deeply, not daily.

Skip the daily sprinkle; it encourages plant roots to stay shallow.

• Give your lawn and plants a deep watering once or twice a week.  
• Check on specific watering needs based on the age, plant type, and season. 
• If using a soaker hose, double the watering time. 
  • Wrap the hose around the base of the plant to water evenly. 

This promotes deep root growth, making your plants and lawn more resilient in dry conditions.

9. Long-Term Planning Pays Off

Designing your landscape for drought resilience makes for a more self-sustaining landscape during hot, dry months. Consider this: 

• Native plants are your best allies and can withstand heat better. 
• Group plants by water needs (hydrozoning).
• Improve soil health with compost and mulch.

Consider installing irrigation systems with a timer to optimize watering schedules.

About Heath Outdoor

Heath Outdoor, a premier, local, family-owned landscaping company established in 2009, proudly serves the vibrant communities of Indianapolis and its surrounding areas. Strategically located in the heart of Indianapolis, we extend our expert landscaping and hardscaping services to both commercial and residential customers in Carmel, Westfield, Fishers, Geist, Noblesville, Zionsville, Avon, Plainfield, Brownsburg, McCordsville, Greenwood and beyond. 

Design and build services include:

Custom gardens and landscapes, paver patios and walkways, water features and recreation ponds, custom outdoor fire pits and fireplaces, outdoor kitchens, pool and spa vaults, tiny houses, storage sheds, pergolas and decks, retaining walls, fencing and playgrounds. 

Commercial and residential property maintenance services include: 

Mowing, mulching, planting and watering service, irrigation and drainage system installation and repairs, seasonal property clean-ups, and snow and ice management. In 2024, Heath Outdoor added eco-focused private gardening and garden coaching to our property maintenance services through a partnership with Spotts Garden Service. 

Custom event decor services: 

Planning a wedding or other celebratory event and looking to create an extraordinary backdrop? Let the event design team at Heath Outdoor transform your space with rental plants, lighting and custom structures. We’ll work with your event designer to bring the vision for your event to life and create an experience your guests will never forget. 

Why Heath Outdoor?

We’re not just in the business of landscaping—we’re in the business of finding solutions and bringing dreams to life. Whether it’s crafting breathtaking commercial outdoor spaces or creating custom outdoor living areas from scratch, we’ve got the passion, expertise, creativity and team to make it happen. 

At Heath Outdoor, we’re also committed to giving back to the community, through our Juneteenth service project, annual participation in the Indy Pride parade, Butter Art Fair and Feast of Lanterns sponsorship and neighborhood beautification efforts. 

The Hurst Brothers family of companies

Heath Outdoor is a Hurst Brothers company. Other brands in the Hurst Brothers family of companies include: Indy Insulation and Spray Company and Spotts Garden Service.

Ready to transform your outdoor space?