Use mulch around your plants to prevent evaporation of water from the soil, and to keep the soil around plant roots cool.
Water early in the day when air temperatures are cooler to make sure the irrigation water you apply gets to the plant roots.
Erect temporary shade structures around heat-sensitive plants to prevent excess water evaporation from leaves. Wooden stakes placed a few inches apart on the side where sun exposure is greatest can help cool the plants and prevent heat damage.
Water deeply and less frequently to encourage deep root growth. The following advice pertains to established, mature plants:
- For lawns: Irrigate 3 times per week, for the length of time it takes to get moisture 6 to 8 inches into the soil. You may need to split your irrigation into multiple cycles to prevent run-off of water from your lawn.
- For annuals and perennials: Irrigate 2 times per week, for the length of time it takes to get moisture 8 to 12 inches into the soil.
- For shrubs: Irrigate 2 times per week, for the length of time it takes to get moisture 12 to 18 inches into the soil.
- For trees: Irrigate once per week, for the length of time it takes to get moisture 18 to 24 inches into the soil.
Use a long screwdriver or soil probe to test the depth of water movement into the soil.
Use drip irrigation wherever possible to prevent excessive evaporation of irrigation water. Use multiple rows of dripline around trees, with at least 12 emitters per tree. Dripline should be placed at least 12 inches from the trunk, with a second row close to the edge of the tree’s leaf canopy.
Don’t worry if your lawn begins to go summer dormant in the excessive heat. Most lawns can survive 2 to 3 weeks of dormancy, and will green up again as temperatures cool.
For future drought years, consider replacing unnecessary lawn areas with plants that can better handle heat and low-water conditions.
Although summer is not the time to install new landscape plants, remember that new plants will need to be observed closely and watered regularly until they are established. You will know they are established when new top growth begins.
If you need help making your irrigation system more efficient, contact a QWEL (Qualified Water Efficient Landscaper) certified professional. Find one near you.
- Want to learn more about QWEL? Take a look at the videos below!
  - What is a QWEL Professional?
  - What are Hydrozones?

Stay Cool this Summer!

Kratsch, H. 2021, Tips for Keeping Your Landscape Plants Alive During a Drought, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, Blog

Extension Associated Contacts

Heidi Kratsch

Also of Interest:


Melon Survival, Yield and Quality in Nevada's High Desert Climate This study evaluated melon varieties and agricultural practices for melon production in the high desert. Conclusions identify melon varieties that demonstrated advantages in terms of plant survival, time to harvest, fruit size, number of fruits per plant, and sweetness. Moe, J., Kratsch, H., Barrios-Masias, F., Hanson-Mazet, W., di Santo, Heinrich 2024, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, SP-24-02
Melons and On-Farm Produce Safety Melons have been grown in Nevada for generations, are suited to sustainable desert food production, and are known to be extra sweet as a result. Produce safety needs to be taken into consideration during melon production. This publication highlights the latest guidance, practices... Moe, J. 2020, Desert Farming Initiative (DFI), University of Nevada, Reno
Melon Research The Desert Farming Initiative was awarded funding through the state’s Specialty Crop Block Grant program for a three year project to evaluate melon varieties, production techniques and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) methods for the Nevada high desert climate. Moe, J., and Schembre, C. 2020, Desert Farming Initiative (DFI), University of Nevada, Reno

Associated Programs

Master Gardeners of Washoe County

Master Gardeners provide free, research-based horticulture information to Nevadans.

Qualified Water Efficient Landscaper (QWEL)

Training will provide participants with local water, soil and plant information, basic and advanced irrigation principles and hands-on water audit skills they can use in the field

Tips for Keeping Your Landscape Plants Alive During a Drought

Use mulch around your plants to prevent evaporation of water from the soil, and to keep the soil around plant roots cool.
Water early in the day when air temperatures are cooler to make sure the irrigation water you apply gets to the plant roots.
Erect temporary shade structures around heat-sensitive plants to prevent excess water evaporation from leaves. Wooden stakes placed a few inches apart on the side where sun exposure is greatest can help cool the plants and prevent heat damage.
Water deeply and less frequently to encourage deep root growth. The following advice pertains to established, mature plants:
- For lawns: Irrigate 3 times per week, for the length of time it takes to get moisture 6 to 8 inches into the soil. You may need to split your irrigation into multiple cycles to prevent run-off of water from your lawn.
- For annuals and perennials: Irrigate 2 times per week, for the length of time it takes to get moisture 8 to 12 inches into the soil.
- For shrubs: Irrigate 2 times per week, for the length of time it takes to get moisture 12 to 18 inches into the soil.
- For trees: Irrigate once per week, for the length of time it takes to get moisture 18 to 24 inches into the soil.
Use a long screwdriver or soil probe to test the depth of water movement into the soil.
Use drip irrigation wherever possible to prevent excessive evaporation of irrigation water. Use multiple rows of dripline around trees, with at least 12 emitters per tree. Dripline should be placed at least 12 inches from the trunk, with a second row close to the edge of the tree’s leaf canopy.
Don’t worry if your lawn begins to go summer dormant in the excessive heat. Most lawns can survive 2 to 3 weeks of dormancy, and will green up again as temperatures cool.
For future drought years, consider replacing unnecessary lawn areas with plants that can better handle heat and low-water conditions.
Although summer is not the time to install new landscape plants, remember that new plants will need to be observed closely and watered regularly until they are established. You will know they are established when new top growth begins.
If you need help making your irrigation system more efficient, contact a QWEL (Qualified Water Efficient Landscaper) certified professional. Find one near you.
- Want to learn more about QWEL? Take a look at the videos below!
  - What is a QWEL Professional?
  - What are Hydrozones?

Stay Cool this Summer!

Published by: Kratsch, H., 2021, Tips for Keeping Your Landscape Plants Alive During a Drought, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, Blog