Extension

Trees and Shrubs

• Control bermudagrass around trees and shrubs with products containing sethoxydim or fluazifop. Follow directions closely to avoid harming desirable plants.
• Expect some leaf fall from trees. This is a normal reaction to drought stress. Water newly planted trees and shrubs deeply during prolonged dry periods.
• Check mulch around trees and shrubs. Maintain a 2 to 3-inch layer, but keep mulch several inches away from the trunk and low branches to prevent decay.
• Delay planting woody ornamentals until cooler weather.
• Remove dead, damaged, or diseased branches as needed, but avoid heavy pruning during periods of extreme heat.

Flower Beds

• Water ornamentals deeply during prolonged dry periods. Early morning irrigation helps reduce water loss and allows foliage to dry quickly.
• Deadhead annuals and repeat-blooming perennials regularly to encourage continued flowering.
• Refresh mulch as needed to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
• Continue weeding flower beds before weeds produce seed and compete for limited soil moisture.
• Divide and replant crowded hybrid iris (bearded iris) after flowering until August.
• Fertilize container plantings regularly, as frequent watering quickly leaches nutrients from potting media.

Vegetables

• Make fall vegetable garden plantings throughout July. HLA-6009 - Fall Gardening gives planting recommendations. Afternoon shade may be helpful to improve germination and establishment.
• Mulch vegetable beds to conserve soil moisture, reduce weed competition, and moderate soil temperatures. Organic mulches such as shredded leaves, straw, untreated grass clippings, or wood chips also improve soil as they decompose.
• Harvest vegetables frequently. Regular harvest encourages continued production of crops such as beans, squash, cucumbers, peppers, and other summer crops.
• Water deeply and consistently during hot weather. Most vegetables perform best with about 1- to 1.5-inches of water per week from rainfall or irrigation.
• Remove overripe, damaged, or diseased fruits promptly to reduce pest problems and encourage continued production.
• Continue scouting for spider mites, squash bugs, and hornworms. Early detection makes management much more effective.
• Begin cleaning up spring and early summer crops to reduce disease carryover and make room for fall vegetables.

Lawn and Turf

• Brown patch disease of cool-season grasses can be a problem. (HLA-6420 - Lawn Management in Oklahoma)
• Meet water requirements of turfgrasses.(HLS-6420 - Lawn Management in Oklahoma)
• Fertilization of warm-season grasses can continue if water is present for growth. (HLA-6420 - Lawn Management in Oklahoma)
• Vegetative establishment of warm-season grasses should be completed by the end of July to ensure the least risk of winter kill. (HLA-6219 - Establishing a Lawn in Oklahoma)
• Mowing heights for cool-season turf grasses should be at 3” during hot, dry summer months. Gradually raise mowing height of bermudagrass lawns from 1- to 2-inches.
• Sharpen or replace mower blades as needed. Shredded leaf blades are an invitation to disease and allow more stress on the grass.

Fruit and Nuts

• Water fruit and pecan trees during extended dry periods, particularly newly planted trees and those carrying heavy fruit loads.
• Remove fallen or diseased fruit to reduce insect and disease pressure around the planting
• Tip prune blackberry primocanes to encourage branching and increase production next year.

General

• Providing birdbaths, shelter, and food will help turn your landscape into a backyard wildlife habitat.
• Leave shallow water sources for pollinators by placing pebbles or marbles in a shallow dish and refilling it regularly.
• Find someone to water plants in the house and garden while on vacation. Harvesting vegetables and mowing the lawn are a must and imply that someone is home.
• Keep an eye on irrigation systems and hoses during periods of high-water demand. Repair leaks and clogged emitters promptly to improve water efficiency.