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Best August Gardening Tips for a Thriving Landscape

August in Sonoma County is a time of intense heat and anticipation for the upcoming fall season. While this area is known for its beautiful scenery and ideal growing conditions, it still requires specific landscape strategies to keep outdoor spaces vibrant and healthy.

Follow these August gardening tips for a thriving landscape.

These August garden tips will help you apply the best landscaping practices tailored to Sonoma County's unique climate.


Table of Contents


Preparing Your Sonoma County Landscape for August

As the summer heat peaks, it’s essential to prepare your landscape for the month ahead. This critical step ensures that your plants remain healthy and vibrant, despite the challenging conditions. Proper preparation also sets the stage for a flourishing landscape as you transition into the cooler months.


  • Inspect your irrigation systems to ensure they are functioning correctly and efficiently. Check for any leaks and recalibrate sprinklers if needed.

  • Clean and sharpen your outdoor tools to streamline your tasks. Sharp tools are also much safer to use compared to dull ones.

  • Clear garden beds of weeds and apply mulch to conserve moisture and reduce weed growth. Some good sources of mulch are wood chips, straw, and grass clippings from mowing your lawn.

  • Given the common nature of wildfires in Sonoma County, check for fire hazards and clear dry brush around your property. If you’re planning to use mulch, we recommend avoiding flammable materials such as pine and shredded cypress. 


Dealing With August Drought Conditions 

Drought conditions are common in Sonoma County during August, especially in the more arid regions of the valley. As such, strategic water management is important to conserve water. Here are some tips you should follow when dealing with drought.


  • Prioritize watering your most valuable and vulnerable plants. These include newly planted trees and shrubs, as well as any particularly drought-sensitive plants. 

  • Consider installing a rain barrel to collect and store rainwater for your plants and trees. Thankfully, it’s legal to harvest rainwater for residential use in California. 

  • Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and ensure plants can absorb moisture before the heat intensifies.

  • Deep watering once or twice a week is more beneficial than frequent shallow watering. For longer-lasting moisture retention, soak the ground up to eight inches deep.

  • Use drip irrigation or soaker hoses to deliver water directly to the roots, reducing waste and promoting deep root growth. If you have resources to spare, use automated systems. These help ensure efficiency, releasing water only when the conditions are right, such as the time of day or soil moisture levels. 

  • Apply a thick layer of mulch around plants to help retain moisture and keep roots cool.

  • Organic mulches like straw, wood chips, or compost are ideal, as they also improve soil structure over time.

  • Spread mulch evenly. Don’t pile it against plant stems to avoid suffocating the roots. 

  • As we mentioned above, avoid mulch that’s more prone to catch fire. 


Landscape Checklist for August 

Regular landscape clean-up helps maintain a healthy and attractive outdoor space. Here are a few things you can do to keep your lawn tidy. 


  • Remove fallen leaves, spent flowers, and overripe fruits to prevent pest and disease problems.

  • Clear out dead plants and trim back overgrown areas to improve air circulation and reduce the risk of fungal diseases. The pruned branches and leaves can be added to your compost. 

  • Clear any dry brush and debris that could pose a fire hazard.


Caring for Trees and Shrubs in August

Trees and shrubs require special attention in August to ensure their health and vitality. Well-maintained trees are more resilient to pests and diseases, ensuring they thrive year-round.


  • Deep water these plants to ensure their roots receive enough moisture.

  • Prune dead or damaged branches to improve their structure and health. Pruning will also encourage new growth, which is still needed given how fall is still a month away. 

  • To retain moisture and reduce temperature fluctuations, apply mulch around the base of the trees. 

  • Inspect for pests and diseases regularly and take appropriate action if needed. Bark beetles and gypsy moths are some common pests in Sonoma County. If you see an infestation, working with an arborist can help you get rid of these pests completely. 


Fertilizing Your Landscape in August

Mid-summer is an ideal time to give your landscape a nutrient boost. You’d supply the right minerals to help the plants prepare for the transition into the cooler fall months. 


  • Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to provide essential nutrients. The controlled release helps you avoid excess chemicals in your soil, leading to minimal runoff and happy plants.

  • Organic options like compost tea or fish emulsion can enhance soil health without the risk of chemical runoff.

  • Pay special attention to heavy feeders like tomatoes, peppers, and squash. Add enough fertilizers to ensure that these plants receive the nutrients needed for the continued production of fruits.


Managing Pests and Diseases

August can be a challenging month for managing pests and diseases. During this time, insects and other harmful organisms are active, feeding to ensure survival once the colder months arrive. Here are some tips to help with lawn pest control.


  • Look for issues such as aphids, spider mites, and powdery mildew. These are common in Sonoma County. 

  • Employ organic pest control methods, like introducing beneficial insects or applying neem oil.

  • Regularly inspect plants and remove any diseased foliage promptly. Do not add the affected leaves or branches to your compost as some can survive the decomposition process. Instead, throw away the infected foliage to the garbage. 

  • Maintain healthy soil through proper fertilization and watering to help plants resist pests and diseases naturally. 

  • Mow your grass regularly to prevent overgrowth, which creates conditions for harmful fungi. 


August Pruning Tips for Healthy Plants 

Pruning is essential in August to promote healthy plant growth and prepare for fall. In addition, pruning reduces excess foliage that could pose a fire hazard. Here are some of our most recommended practices for easy pruning. 


  • Remove dead or damaged branches and spent flowers to encourage new blooms.

  • For fruit trees and berry bushes, prune to improve air circulation and sunlight penetration, reducing the risk of fungal diseases.

  • Do your pruning during the morning. The gentle sunlight helps protect prune wounds from fungi infections without being too harsh.


Your August Lawn Checklist

Lawns require special care during the hot August days. The intense heat and potential drought conditions can stress the grass, making it more susceptible to damage and disease. To keep your yard healthy, here’s what you can do. 


  • Mow less often and keep the grass slightly longer to shade the roots and retain moisture. Short grass height exposes the roots and the ground, drying out moisture easily.

  • Deep watering is essential. Aim for once or twice a week, depending on your soil type and grass variety.

  • You should also aerate compacted areas to improve water and nutrient absorption.

  • Apply a slow-release fertilizer to keep your lawn healthy and green.


Harvesting Crops in August

August is a harvest month for many crops in Sonoma County. You’ll want to gather the fruits, vegetables, and herbs at the right time to maximize yield and avoid putting too much stress on your perennials.


  • Keep an eye on tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and beans. You can harvest these regularly to encourage further production.

  • Every once in a while, check melons and squash for ripeness by examining their color and firmness.

  • Harvest herbs like basil, mint, and rosemary before they flower to ensure the best flavor. Once they begin to flower, leaf production may decline and could taste bitter.


Harvesting is one of the most rewarding aspects of gardening. Use the abundant bounty to create delicious, fresh meals and preserve the excess for later use. 


Preparing Soil for Fall Planting

August is the perfect time to prepare your soil for fall planting. During this time, the warm weather allows soil amendments to break down and integrate more effectively, creating an ideal environment for the upcoming growing season. Here’s how to prepare your lawn.


  • Remove any summer crops and weeds, and incorporate compost or well-rotted manure to enrich the soil. 

  • Test your soil’s pH and adjust it if necessary to create the ideal conditions for fall crops. The ideal range should be between 6.0 and 7.0, meaning the soil should be slightly acidic.

  • Lightly till the soil to improve its structure and aeration, ensuring it’s ready for new plants.


August Composting Tips 

Composting is an excellent way to enrich your soil. Plus, you’d be less likely to use commercial fertilizers that contain unwanted chemicals. Sonoma County’s warm weather also helps speed up the composting process, making the practice ideal for homeowners. Try the following composting tips: 


  • Add grass clippings, spent plants, and vegetable scraps to your compost pile.

  • Keep the pile moist and turn it regularly to accelerate decomposition.

  • Avoid adding diseased plants or weeds that have gone to seed to prevent spreading them across your landscape. Throw them away as you would with regular household waste, so pathogens won’t contact the rest of your lawn.


When To Reach Out for Professional Landscape Maintenance Services

Knowing when to call for professional landscape maintenance can save your landscape. Here are signs that you need experts for the job:


  • Persistent pest problems, such as aphids, mildew, leaf-eating worms, and fungi

  • Overgrown grasses, bushes, and trees

  • Manifestations of an unhealthy lawn such as bare patches, yellowing or browning grass, and frequent weed growth

  • You want to enjoy your summer and hire a professional to give you the freedom to do so.

August is crucial for lawn and garden care and choosing the right landscaping company is important for the best experience. Consider hiring professionals to maintain your outdoor space year-round. Contact Gardenworks, Inc. at (707) 857-2050 today for more information about our residential landscape maintenance services.


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