Working outdoors has to be one of the worst parts about our summers. The heat and discomfort makes it so that the prospect of having to go outside and work on your landscape seem daunting, even unpleasant. But we all know how important it is to stay up to date on your landscaping- Your plants are counting on you to keep them healthy and alive!
At ABC Scapes, we know of a few different ways you can beat the heat while working outdoors. Here are six things you should do to make your summer landscaping as safe and sweat-free as possible.
Hydrate
This is the most obvious yet most important thing to do while working outside: Keep yourself hydrated! You’ll be out in the sun for a few hours, so make sure you drink plenty of water. Dehydration is no joke.
Early Bird
The best way to beat the heat is to rise early and get to work before it heats up. Working in the early dawn hours will keep you cool, and it will provide enough light that you’ll be able to see what you’re doing. It’s also a great way to start your day: The feeling of accomplishment that can come over after getting such important landscaping work done can energize you and get you amped up for the rest of your day.
Dress Light
Avoid dark heat-absorbing colors. Wear something light and loose fitting that breathes. Usually a T-shirt and shorts will do the trick- Unless your yard is a haven for pests that will bite you all over, you’ll want to keep your limbs exposed. If you own a hat with a wide brim, that will offer you excellent protection from the sun.
Stay In The Shade
Working in the shade will keep you from getting dehydrated or drained by the heat. If you don’t have natural shade structures in place, you can make your own shade with umbrellas. You can also set up awnings or hang up window treatments like curtains off the side of your home to cast shadows over your outdoor work space.
Sunscreen
This one’s a no-brainer, but it’s a step that many people skip. If you’re working outside, you need to use sunscreen. You’re going to be spending a few hours exposed to direct sunlight, soaking in a lot of the sun’s rays. These rays can burn you, prematurely age you, even put you at risk for cancer! Make sure you protect yourself by applying sunscreen to every part of your body that’s directly exposed to the sun.
Pest Control
Lots of nasty insects and other pests are drawn to Arizona summers. Be advised as you work throughout the summer that while you may hate the heat as much as all the other humans in Arizona, the bugs in your landscape are probably loving it. This means that the risks of being bitten, stung, or swarmed by all manner of insects is more pronounced than usual. Keep some bug repellant on hand to keep them bay, and keep your eyes open- Deadly pests like scorpions can turn up in the most unlikely of places.
To find out more about our landscaping services, give ABC Scapes a call at 602-404-0568.