Why is everything dying in this summer heat?

Utah summers are tough on landscapes. In Salt Lake and Davis Counties, heat stress shows up as brown lawns, drooping leaves, and scorched plants. The most common causes are shallow watering, irregular irrigation schedules, and plant choices that aren’t right for Utah’s Zone 6 climate. New plants especially need consistent deep watering to establish roots. On the other hand, overwatering in clay soil can suffocate roots and cause the same symptoms. To troubleshoot, compare your irrigation schedule with your water district’s guidelines: lawns usually need 20–30 minutes 2–3 times per week, shrubs need weekly deep soaks, and trees may need slow watering every 10–14 days. If plants are still failing despite proper care, the soil may need amendment or the plant selection may need adjusting. Contacting your landscaper for an inspection is the best step.