Curb Appeal in the Heat: Landscaping That Looks Good in July (and Keeps Looking Good)
It’s July in South Louisiana — the heat is on, the humidity’s high.
If your curb appeal fades by midsummer, you’re not alone. Many landscapes look great in spring, then fall flat as soon as the real heat hits. But with the right plants, prep, and design, your front yard can look sharp all summer long — even in 90°+ heat.
At Cultivate, we know what works and what fries in the Louisiana sun. Here’s how to keep your front yard looking fresh through June and beyond.
1. Choose Heat-Resilient Plants That Don’t Need Babysitting
In July, it’s survival of the fittest — and by that, we mean plants that don’t die the second you skip a watering.
Some of our favorite low-maintenance, heat-loving picks for the Northshore include:
-Crape Myrtles – showy blooms, loves the sun
-Muhly Grass – fluffy texture and drought-tolerant
-Lantana – colorful blooms, practically bulletproof
-Agapanthus (Lily of the Nile) – lush foliage and long bloom season
-Boxwood or Yaupon Holly – evergreen structure that handles the heat
-Vinca - produces bright, colorful blooms in shades of pink, white, red, and purple and thrives in full sun and high humidity.
Pro Tip: A pretty flower that can’t survive the summer isn’t worth planting.
2. Incorporate Hardscaping for Structure & Contrast
Not everything green has to do the heavy lifting. Smart curb appeal includes:
-Stone or brick edging for clean bed lines
-Gravel paths or stepping stones for dry areas
-Accent boulders or pavers for visual weight
-Mulch (pine straw or cypress preferred) to hold moisture and kill weeds
Hardscape elements won’t wilt in the heat, and they give your landscape clean lines and definition year-round.
3. Create Shade Strategically
If you want your beds or lawn to hold up in summer, think beyond full sun:
-Plant ornamental trees like Vitex, Crape Myrtle, or Japanese Maple
-Use taller shrubs near south-facing walls to block radiant heat
-Install shade sails or arbors where people gather
Bonus: Shade helps protect your home’s foundation and reduce your energy bill.
4. Fix the Watering Game
The heat hits hard — and if your irrigation isn’t dialed in, your curb appeal won’t stand a chance.
We recommend:
-Smart drip irrigation in beds to avoid water waste
-Proper grading so water doesn’t pool or wash away mulch
-Zone-specific watering schedules for lawns, beds, and trees
-Monthly checkups for broken heads, leaks, or coverage gaps
Want it off your plate? Ask about our Irrigation System Audit Service.
5. Keep It Trimmed and Tidy
Even if your landscape is built right, neglect kills curb appeal. In July, be sure to:
-Prune spring-flowering shrubs to keep them tight
-Edge all beds and walkways
-Cut back spent blooms and leggy annuals
-Pull weeds early (before they seed and spread)
A little detail goes a long way.
Bonus Tip: Focus on the First 20 Feet
Most curb appeal decisions are made in the first 20 feet. Prioritize:
-Your entryway
-Driveway edges
-Front walkway
-Porch planters or pots
We recommend symmetric designs or impact plants to draw the eye — and we’d love to help design them for you.
Serving Covington, Mandeville, Slidell & the Northshore.
At Cultivate, we design, install, and maintain front yards that look great — even when the heat is brutal. With local plant knowledge, smart irrigation, and clean layout designs, we help your home’s first impression last all season long.
Call us today 985-999-0309 Or complete a service form for free quote!
