Hot, dry, and long days in the summer could lead to the dehydration of many plants in backyards and gardens, especially trees.

This week temperatures are reaching up into the mid-thirties most days. Which means plants could start turning brown, they'll stop growing, and grass will go dormant due to the stress caused by the lack of moisture in the ground said Paul Kneeshaw, Owner of Misty Gardens.

Last years summer was not much better for soil moisture and after a harsh winter, the hot weather now won't help at all. There are ways to care for your yard and to keep it in top shape so the vegetation can withstand the dry weather. Plants must get plenty of water, especially trees. Fertilizer will not make the plants better, they need to be hydrated.

"The plants need to have water before the fertilizer, so it's like us, we don't want to eat if we're sick and the trees if they're dry they can't take advantage of the fertilizer that you give them."

As we move into August though, the weather will begin to cool down and the days will get much shorter. As the sun sets and it starts to get dark outside the trees recover overnight from the cool air and plants will be in better condition. Until that time comes, it is up to the caretaker of the yard to keep the yard watered. To get more information on how to care for your garden and backyard, visit Misty Gardens.