Summer Landscaping Tips for Hershey and Elizabethtown Residents

Summer in Central Pennsylvania brings its own set of challenges for homeowners in Hershey and Elizabethtown. The heat can be intense, and maintaining a beautiful landscape requires some know-how. At Logan’s Landscaping, we’ve seen many summers come and go, and we’ve learned a thing or two about keeping yards looking great even when temperatures soar.

Our area is unique. Hershey, with its world-famous chocolate factory, and Elizabethtown, known for its small-town feel, both have their own character. But when it comes to landscaping, they face similar summer issues. That’s why we’ve put together some tips specifically for our local residents. We know the local climate, soil conditions, and common landscaping problems in our towns. Whether you’re dealing with dry spells, trying to keep your plants thriving, or looking to create an outdoor space that’s enjoyable even in the hottest months, we’ve got you covered.

We’ll share practical advice that’s tailored to our area. These aren’t just generic tips – they’re strategies we’ve seen work right here in Hershey and Elizabethtown. We’ll cover everything from smart watering practices to choosing the right plants for our local conditions.

Let’s get started with some ideas that can help you make the most of your outdoor space this summer, no matter what the thermometer says.

Efficient Watering & Plant Picks for Hershey & Elizabethtown

Watering Effectively in Our Local Climate

Hershey and Elizabethtown experience hot summers, making smart watering crucial for healthy landscapes. Here are some tips to use water efficiently:

• Early Morning Watering: Water your lawn and gardens between 4 AM and 8 AM. This timing reduces water loss from evaporation and allows plants to absorb moisture before the day heats up.
• Deep, Infrequent Watering: Aim for 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week, delivered in fewer, longer sessions. This encourages deeper root growth, making plants more drought-resistant.
• Soaker Hoses for Gardens: Use soaker hoses in your flower beds and vegetable gardens. They deliver water directly to the roots, reducing waste and keeping foliage dry, which can help prevent disease.
• Consider Smart Irrigation: If you have a large property, look into smart irrigation systems. These can adjust watering schedules based on local weather conditions, saving water and money.

Remember that our local watersheds, including Conewago Creek and Swatara Creek, benefit from water conservation. During dry spells, focus on watering your most important plants and allow your lawn to go dormant if necessary. Grass in our area is resilient and will green up again when rain returns.

Choosing Plants That Thrive in Hershey and Elizabethtown

When selecting plants for your landscape, consider those that can handle our local summer conditions. Here are some good choices:

• Black-Eyed Susans: These bright flowers are well-suited to our climate and bloom throughout the summer.
• Purple Coneflowers: Known for their toughness, these native plants attract pollinators and can handle heat and drought.
• Butterfly Weed: This plant is excellent for attracting butterflies and can tolerate our summer conditions well.
• Switchgrass: A native grass that’s low-maintenance and provides interest throughout the year.
• Catmint: This aromatic plant is deer-resistant, making it a good choice for areas where deer are a problem.

For a wide selection of plants that do well in our area, consider visiting local nurseries like Stauffers of Kissel Hill. The Elizabethtown College Plant Sale, typically held in the spring, is also a good source for native plants.

Enhancing Your Outdoor Space: Lighting and Living Areas

Landscape Lighting for Evening Enjoyment

As summer days in Hershey and Elizabethtown stretch into long evenings, good lighting can extend the use of your outdoor space:

• Path Lighting: Install low-voltage lights along walkways for safety and ambiance. This is especially useful for properties with uneven terrain common in our area.
• Accent Lighting: Use uplighting to highlight trees or architectural features of your home. This can create dramatic effects and add depth to your nighttime landscape.
• String Lights: Hang weatherproof string lights over patios or decks. These provide a warm glow for outdoor gatherings and are popular in both Hershey and Elizabethtown neighborhoods.
• Solar Options: Consider solar-powered lights. They’re energy-efficient and work well in our region, which gets ample sunlight during summer months.

Creating Outdoor Living Spaces

Transform your backyard into a comfortable retreat suited for our local climate:

• Shade Structures: Pergolas or gazebos provide necessary shade during hot Pennsylvania summers. They’re ideal for supporting climbing plants like wisteria, which thrive in our climate.
• Patio Materials: When building patios, consider permeable pavers. They help manage stormwater runoff, which is important for protecting local waterways like Swatara Creek.
• Outdoor Kitchens: If space allows, an outdoor kitchen can be a great addition. It keeps cooking heat outside during summer and is perfect for entertaining.
• Water Features: Small fountains or ponds can add a cooling effect to your yard. They’re also attractive to local wildlife, enhancing your garden’s ecosystem.

Eco-Friendly Landscaping and Weather Preparedness

Sustainable Landscaping Practices

At Logan’s Landscaping, we encourage eco-friendly gardening methods that benefit both your yard and our local environment:

• Rain Barrels: Installing rain barrels is an effective way to collect and reuse rainwater for your garden. This practice is particularly useful in our area, where summer can bring both heavy rains and dry spells.
• Composting: Start a compost bin for yard waste and kitchen scraps. Composting enriches soil and reduces the need for chemical fertilizers. It’s a great way to recycle organic matter and improve your garden’s health.
• Native Plants: Choose plants native to Pennsylvania for your landscape. These plants are adapted to our local climate and soil conditions, requiring less water and maintenance. They also support local wildlife and pollinators.
• Organic Methods: Use organic fertilizers and pest control methods when possible. This approach helps protect local waterways like Swatara Creek and Conewago Creek from harmful runoff.

Preparing Your Landscape for Extreme Weather

Summers in Central Pennsylvania can bring a variety of weather conditions. Here’s how to prepare your landscape:

• Tree Care: Stake young trees to protect them from strong winds during summer storms. This is especially important in open areas common in parts of Hershey and Elizabethtown.
• Windbreaks: Plant shrubs or install fences to create windbreaks. This can help protect more delicate plants in your garden from strong gusts.
• Rain Gardens: Consider installing a rain garden to manage excess water during heavy rainstorms. This can help prevent erosion and flooding in your yard.
• Heat Protection: Keep shade cloths on hand to protect sensitive plants during unexpected heat waves. This is particularly useful for vegetable gardens or newly planted areas.

Elevate Your Hershey or Elizabethtown Landscape

Creating and maintaining a beautiful, resilient landscape in Hershey and Elizabethtown requires local knowledge and expertise. From selecting drought-resistant plants that thrive in our Pennsylvania climate to implementing water-saving techniques that protect our local watersheds, every aspect of landscaping benefits from a regional approach.

At Logan’s Landscaping, we’re committed to helping our neighbors in Hershey and Elizabethtown create outdoor spaces that are not only stunning but also sustainable and well-adapted to our unique Central PA environment. Whether you’re looking to revamp your entire yard, install efficient irrigation systems, or simply need advice on maintaining your landscape through our sometimes unpredictable summers, we’re here to help.

Don’t let another season go by without maximizing the potential of your outdoor space. Ready to transform your Hershey or Elizabethtown property into a landscape that’s the envy of the neighborhood? Give us a call today at (717) 210-5506 or use our convenient contact form on our website. Let’s work together to create a landscape that beautifully reflects the charm of our local communities while standing up to the challenges of our distinct Pennsylvania seasons.