Seasonal care · 8 minute guide
How to prepare a Sydney garden for summer
A heat-ready checklist covering irrigation, mulch, young plants, pots and what not to do before extreme weather.
Summer resilience is built before a heatwave. Deep roots, functioning irrigation and protected soil matter more than emergency daily sprinkling.
Before you begin
What you’ll need
- Irrigation timer
- Spare emitters
- Mulch
- Shade cloth for temporary protection
Audit irrigation
Run every zone and check blocked drippers, split lines and overspray. Place catch cups to identify uneven coverage.
Deep-water vulnerable plants
Water young trees, recent planting and containers deeply in the cool of the morning before forecast extreme heat.
Restore mulch depth
Maintain 50–75 mm while keeping trunks and crowns clear. Mulch reduces soil temperature and evaporation.
Group and protect pots
Move containers out of reflected western heat, group them to reduce exposure and confirm drainage holes remain open.
Pause stressful work
Avoid hard pruning, repotting and strong fertiliser immediately before hot weather. Tender new growth is more vulnerable.
Review after heat
Wait before pruning scorched foliage; it may shade living tissue. Check stems for life and resume normal watering based on soil moisture.
Important
Common mistakes to avoid
- Observe water restrictions and local fire-safety requirements.
- Do not cover plants with plastic; it traps heat.
This guide provides general horticultural information for Sydney conditions. Site drainage, soil, weather and individual species requirements vary. For tree safety, chemical use or persistent plant decline, use an appropriately qualified professional.
Available from our nursery
Continue from advice to supply.
Stock changes regularly. Open a plant to see current sizes and add it to a project schedule.Read next / Seasonal care