But working in the heat brings its own set of challenges, and getting the timing and approach right makes a big difference to the finished result.

We're not a landscaping company ourselves, but as landscape designers who also supply garden materials and partner with landscaping companies on projects, we think about these things a lot.

Here's what's on our mind when we're planning and delivering landscaping works in summer, using our current project at Project Winchester in Newcastle-under-Lyme as a real-world example.

Planning Around the Heat

One of the biggest challenges with summer landscaping is something you can't always predict far in advance: the weather.

The UK has seen more unpredictable heatwaves in recent years, and the timing of a heatwave relative to when turf is laid or plants go in can determine how well everything establishes.

Newly laid turf, fresh planting, and bedding flowers all need water to establish. In a heatwave, that means regular attention in the days and weeks following installation. Soil dries out faster than it would in cooler months, and newly planted materials don't yet have the root system to draw moisture from deeper in the ground. That makes the first few weeks after completion critical.

At Project Winchester, the homeowners were heading away on holiday around the time the landscaping was being completed, so our Managing Director Richard headed over to the site to water everything in and jet wash the patio before the plants had a chance to dry out.

We pride ourselves on that kind of aftercare. Making sure the garden establishes well, and that our clients come home to exactly what they were expecting.

What About Hosepipe Bans?

One question we get asked a lot when landscaping work is completed in summer is what happens if a hosepipe ban comes into effect.

The good news is that most UK water companies include a specific exemption for newly laid turf and fresh planting. Generally, you're permitted to water newly laid turf by hosepipe for the first 28 days after it's been laid, outside of peak hours, which typically run from 8am to 10am and 5pm to 9pm.

For homeowners in Staffordshire, Shropshire, and Cheshire, the relevant suppliers are Severn Trent and South Staffs Water. As of summer 2026, neither has declared a formal hosepipe ban, though South Staffs Water has issued a conservation appeal asking customers to use water carefully. If a ban does come into effect, the 28-day new turf exemption would apply, but always check directly with your supplier, as the exact rules can vary.

If you're planning landscaping work during a period of hot, dry weather, it's worth having a watering plan in place from day one rather than waiting to see what happens.

Choosing the Right Materials

Your choice of materials matters more in summer than at any other time of year, both in terms of how they perform in the heat and how comfortable they are to use.

Porcelain paving handles heat well, is easy to clean, and doesn't fade or deteriorate in UV light the way some other materials can. It tends to stay cooler underfoot than darker stone alternatives, which is worth thinking about if you have young children or pets.

Composite decking is a practical timber alternative that won't warp, splinter, or fade in the heat the way untreated wood can. Like darker paving though, composite in darker shades can get very warm underfoot on a hot day, so it's worth considering the aspect of your garden and how much direct sun the area receives before committing to a colour.

When it comes to turf, it's worth weighing up natural versus artificial grass carefully. Natural grass needs watering, regular maintenance, and will scorch in a prolonged heatwave. Artificial grass can get very hot to the touch in direct sun, and can develop lingering odours if you have pets. There's no universally right answer, it really comes down to how you use your garden and what you're prepared to maintain.

Working With the Right People

A summer landscaping project involves a lot of moving parts, and having the right team behind you, one that's proactive rather than reactive, keeps the project running smoothly.

We work closely with trusted partners like Biba's Landscapes, a local Staffordshire company, to deliver the construction and landscaping elements of our projects. That means our clients get a seamless, project-managed experience from design right through to completion, without having to coordinate multiple contractors themselves.

Having landscape designers, like us, involved from the start also means the practical details get thought through early. The right materials for your lifestyle, designing for shade, planning for low winter maintenance, and defining zones so that when the garden is finished, you can simply get on with enjoying it.

What's Happening at Project Winchester?

Project Winchester is a full garden redesign and landscaping project in Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire, delivered in partnership with Anthony and the team at Biba's Landscapes.

A Tiger Modular outbuilding was installed a few weeks ago, and the landscaping programme is now nearing completion. New borders have been dug, edged, and planted with fresh bedding throughout. Fresh turf has transformed the rear garden. A new gate has been fitted, and the porcelain patio areas are tying the whole space together beautifully.

Professional photography is coming soon, we can't wait to show you the finished result.

In the meantime, if you're thinking about a garden project of your own, we'd love to talk through what's possible.

Get in touch at info@powelldc.uk or call us on 01538 764028.

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