Lawns scheduled for renovation should have soil tested to determine nutrient levels. Storms bring rain but also damaging winds. If there are 10+ per square foot then apply an appropriate insecticide. It’s august in the desert and we’re in the middle of the monsoon. · don’t give up on your southwest garden in august, but always save energy-draining tasks for early morning before the heat of the day. They are very low maintenance and can grow between 20 and 30 feet tall. Good news is that some shrubs really hit their zenith with lush growth, fabulous flowers, or pretty fruits this month. Here’s what tasks to do, pests to expect, & more. Here is your garden to-do list for august. · sure, you can garden nearly year-round, but even here things slow down as the deep heat of august cranks up. With their vibrant yellow blooms and their ability to thrive without supplemental water once established, these trees are beautiful additions to any southwestern landscape. Surprise lilies and water lilies are now blooming. Zoysia lawns can receive their final fertilizer application in early august. Check lawns for white grubs. · what to do in your southwest garden in august. As drought persists and water-use regulations increase, consider replacing conventional turf-grass lawns with low-water varieties of blue grama (bouteloua gracilis ‘hachita’) or buffalo grass (buchloe dactyloides ‘legacy’).