In the good ole summertime, the living is easy. That is, for the gardener, but not necessarily for the plants. The very trees that afford us shade and comfort are taking all of the sun’s heat and general abuse for us. Now, almost more that any other time of the year, they need our help.

As we scurry from our air-conditioned homes to start our car’s air conditioning on full power so we can comfortably drive to our air conditioned offices, we rarely think of the important elements of our lives that are not mobile. Our beautiful and protective trees, our colorful flowers and the shrubs and evergreens that give them background are completely incapable of seeking shelter, water and nutrients. By virtue of the sun, they make their own food, but are almost completely dependent on us to make other necessities available.

A long time back in my career, I heard an old garden sage state that “our very lives are dependent on the top 12 inches of soil and an occasional rain.” I later realized that this is one of the great truths of our lives. Once that recognition hit, I started thinking about what any or each of us could do about it.

The answer is simple. Take the plants’ needs for fertilization and water to them. What a revelation! That is exactly what I had been doing ever since I labored in my mother’s garden. Sometimes knowledge and understanding don’t connect when they should. Once things do however, it is time for action.

Plant maintenance is actually a simple act of kindness, not really a big outlay of time or cash when it is done periodically based on needs. The needs change based on weather cycles and we have had an interesting last few years. Especially when remembering that there was almost enough natural waterfall to drown plants three springs in a row and then each summer starting mid-June, there was not much more rain until late September. No banner headlines, but a true horticultural drought as far as our plants’ needs are concerned. This year we hit the mid-80’s and limited rainfall by May 15. Parched lawns and grass browning along the curbs and sidewalks were common. When the grass “burns,” it is a sure sign that other plants are also running on short water supply.

Therefore, our first responsibility is to drag hoses and sprinklers or turn on the irrigation system. There is a more proper way to water than usually done. That is to water deeply, but infrequently and in the most appropriate places.

I do not recommend letting the lawn suffer to the point of death, but should it happen, its replacement is a relatively quick fix. However, a 30-year-old tree will take 30 years to replace and should be cared for just as you would any valued commodity.

Plants’ roots, after three years of branching out and establishment, will reach to and beyond the branch spread. That entire area should be watered. Start the sprinkler; let it run for 20 minutes and shut it off for 20-30 minutes. The initial water will break the surface tension in the soil. Then start the water flow again and let it run for 3-4 hours in that one area. Then move on to the next spot knowing that you have delivered enough water to rebuild a root depth reservoir that will last for another 2 or 3 weeks. This process will generally conserve water and there will be sufficient air and water to sustain your trees and other plants for that full period of time. Shallow rooted annuals and perennials and lawns will need more frequent soaking, but for less length of time in each place.

Think about your plants and let your own discomfort level guide you on watering. Fertilization is nearly as important and frequently less recognized as an ongoing plant need. Generally, the larger and older plants can do quite nicely with a three-year cycle of the use of appropriate types of nutrient addition. Smaller and seasonally colorful plants may need three applications of dry or monthly applications of water soluble types of fertilizer. Many books, fact sheets and product labels will guide you on what to do or use. The first thing to remember is that none of the materials do any good while sitting on the store shelves. The second is that a healthy and unstressed plant of any kind will manage, even overcome many of its natural problems.

Lawns are or can be another matter. This time of year is when we most often recognize our successes or failures in lawn care. It is also the time of year when we can most effectively repair or even replace a lawn. August 15 is theoretically the best time of year to take action. The season is still hot and dry, but there will soon be more rainfall and general cooling of temperatures. So, if you have spots or even areas, it is time to kill off all existing vegetation, re-cultivate the soil, fertilize, re-seed or sod and start the watering process. All things working as they can and should, you have performed the relatively “Quick Fix” for your lawn and will be enjoying a nearly mature new lawn yet this fall before the snow flies.

Fred Hower, otherwise known as “The Ohio Nurseryman,” has more than 45 years of experience as a horticultural consultant, certified arborist and landscape designer. He can be heard on Plant Talk on WMNI 920-AM.