Summer Stresses in PNW Landscapes: What We’re Seeing This Season

Cody Cochran | July 2026

Even though Pacific Northwest summers are generally milder than other parts of the country, they still bring unique stresses to lawns, trees, shrubs, and planting beds. After a wet spring, many properties shift quickly into long stretches of dry, sunny weather — and that transition can catch landscapes off guard. At Wolbert’s, we see the same issues pop up every summer across Olympia, Lacey, and Thurston County.

Here are the most common summer stresses we’re helping clients manage right now:

1. Drought and Inconsistent Watering

The biggest challenge in our region is the lack of summer rain. Many lawns and plants develop shallow root systems because they’ve been getting frequent, light watering (or relying on spring moisture). When the dry weather hits, these shallow roots can’t keep up, leading to:

• Brown, thinning lawns

• Wilting or scorched shrubs

• New plantings that struggle or die

Pro tip: Deep, infrequent watering encourages stronger root systems. If you’re unsure whether. Your irrigation system is delivering enough water in the right places; it’s worth having it checked.

2. Heat and Sun Stress

While we don’t usually see extreme temperatures for long periods, sudden heat waves combined with intense afternoon sun can cause real damage. South- and west-facing exposures are especially vulnerable. You might notice:

• Leaf scorch or browning on the edges of leaves

• Premature leaf drop on trees and shrubs

• Stressed turf that turns brown in exposed areas. Plants that were already weakened from winter or spring issues tend to show heat stress first.

3. Increased Pest Pressure

Stressed plants are more susceptible to pests. During summer, we commonly see rises in:

• Aphids and spider mites on trees and shrubs

• White grubs are damaging lawns (we’ve seen more activity this year than in recent seasons)

• Other insects that target weakened plants. Healthy, well-maintained landscapes are naturally more resistant. When plants are under stress, pests can move in quickly and make problems worse.

4. Soil Compaction and Thatch Buildup

Dry conditions make soil compaction and thatch more problematic. Lawns with heavy thatch or compacted soil have a harder time absorbing water and nutrients, which leads to more brown patches and thin areas. This is especially common in high-traffic zones or older lawns.

How to Protect Your Landscape This Summer

• Water deeply but less often (aim for the root zone)

• Apply mulch around trees and shrubs to retain moisture

• Avoid fertilizing during peak heat unless it’s part of a professionally timed program

• Keep an eye out for early signs of stress so small issues don’t turn into big ones. If your lawn or landscape is showing signs of summer stress, don’t wait until it gets worse. The earlier we can assess the situation, the easier (and more affordable) it usually is to correct.

At Wolbert’s, we offer full-service landscape care — including irrigation checks, targeted fertilization, pest management, and ongoing maintenance programs designed specifically for PNW conditions. Whether you have a residential property or manage an HOA, we can help keep your landscape healthy through the summer months.

Need help with your lawn or landscape this summer? Give us a call or reach out through our

website. We’re happy to come take a look and put together a plan tailored to your property.

Contact us for a lawn inspection — we’re here to help.

Our crews are fully equipped, licensed, and experienced in Pacific Northwest conditions. Whether it’s one small project or a full landscape refresh, we’ll work with you to design a plan that fits your vision and budget.

360-491-7711 | 360-209-4717 (text - quickest response)

Contact us today if you have questions or want a free estimate.