07/13/2026
Message from Service Direct Landscape – Summer Landscape Stress
As many residents have noticed, the Valley is currently experiencing another period of extreme summer temperatures, with daily highs exceeding 110°F. During recent inspections, our landscape team has observed visible signs of seasonal heat stress affecting portions of the community's plant material.
While it is natural to associate browning foliage or leaf damage with irrigation concerns, extreme heat alone can create significant stress on even healthy, properly watered plants. As soil temperatures rise and heat radiates from hard surfaces such as sidewalks, walls, pavement, and decomposed granite, plants must work harder to regulate water and nutrient uptake. These conditions can result in leaf scorch, browning, and temporary dieback despite adequate irrigation.
Under prolonged hot and dry conditions, plants use most of the water they absorb simply to cool themselves through a natural process called transpiration. When water loss occurs faster than the plant can replace it, visible stress symptoms may develop. In many cases, this damage is cosmetic and does not necessarily indicate that a plant is dying.
Residents may also notice that some heat-damaged foliage is not immediately trimmed or removed. This is intentional. Damaged leaves often provide a protective layer that helps shield more sensitive plant tissue from further sun exposure. Premature pruning during periods of extreme heat can sometimes create additional stress and increase the potential for injury.
Our team continues to monitor irrigation systems, evaluate plant health, and make adjustments where appropriate. However, some level of summer stress is expected throughout the Phoenix area during extended periods of extreme weather.
We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to maintain the community's landscape through the most challenging part of the Arizona summer season.
Service Direct Landscape (SDL)
Landscape Maintenance Partner for Hidden Lakes
