Summer on the Grand Strand is brutal on landscapes. Heat indexes above 100°F, stretches of dry weather followed by heavy downpours, and constant humidity create conditions that stress even well-established plants. Here's what to focus on from June through September to keep your Murrells Inlet yard looking good all summer.

Watering — The Most Important Summer Task

Most landscape plants in coastal South Carolina need 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week during summer. The critical rule: water deeply and less frequently rather than lightly every day. Deep watering encourages roots to grow downward into cooler, more stable soil. Shallow daily watering keeps roots near the surface where they're vulnerable to heat stress.

Water early in the morning — before 9am if possible. This reduces evaporation loss and gives foliage time to dry before the humid afternoon, which helps prevent fungal disease. Drip irrigation or soaker hoses are significantly more efficient than overhead sprinklers in summer heat.

Mulch — Your Best Summer Ally

A fresh 3-inch layer of shredded mulch applied in late spring or early summer does several things at once: it keeps soil temperatures significantly cooler, reduces moisture evaporation between waterings, and suppresses the weeds that explode during warm months. If you haven't refreshed your mulch yet this year, now is the time.

Keep mulch pulled back a couple of inches from plant stems and tree trunks. Mulch piled against woody stems traps moisture and can cause rot.

What to Plant in Summer on the Grand Strand

Summer isn't ideal for planting most shrubs and trees — the heat stress on newly installed plants is significant. However, some plants actually go in the ground best in summer:

• Tropical plants — banana trees, elephant ears, and gingers love the heat and establish quickly
• Ornamental grasses — tough enough to handle summer planting with adequate water
• Liriope and monkey grass — establishes well even in summer heat
• Palms — summer is actually a good time to plant palms in South Carolina as they're actively growing

Fertilizing in Summer

Go light on fertilizer during peak summer heat. Heavy feeding pushes new tender growth that is more vulnerable to heat stress and pests. A slow-release fertilizer applied in late spring is usually enough to carry plants through summer. If you need to feed, do it in the early morning and water it in well.

FAQ — Summer Landscaping in Murrells Inlet SC

When should I water my yard in summer on the Grand Strand? Early morning — before 9am — is best. This minimizes evaporation and reduces disease risk.

How often should I refresh mulch in summer? If your mulch layer has thinned below 2 inches, top it up. Fresh mulch in early summer is one of the highest-impact things you can do for your plants.

Where can I get mulch and plants for summer in Murrells Inlet? C-Scapes at 5152 US-17 Bus carries bulk mulch, nursery plants, and landscaping supplies throughout the summer season. Call (843) 457-0076.