Landscaping Projects Perfect for Summer in Montana

Montana summers are short, sweet, and packed with potential—especially when it comes to outdoor projects. Whether you’re looking to boost curb appeal, create a more usable yard, or simply make the most of our long sunny days, summer is prime time to take on landscaping upgrades. At Horizon Landscape & Irrigation, we know how to turn warm-weather energy into lasting improvements that hold up through all four seasons.

1. Build or Refresh Outdoor Living Areas
Montana’s summer evenings are perfect for gathering outside—so why not create a dedicated space to enjoy them? Popular upgrades include:

Patios and decks for dining and relaxing

Pergolas or shade sails for sun protection

Fire pits and outdoor fireplaces for cool nights

Built-in seating and lighting for entertaining

These additions not only add function but also increase home value and seasonal enjoyment.

2. Install or Upgrade Irrigation Systems
Summer is when your landscape demands the most water, making it the best time to assess your irrigation setup. Smart upgrades include:

Drip irrigation for garden beds and trees

Smart controllers that adjust based on weather and moisture levels

Zone-specific sprinklers for efficient coverage

An efficient system keeps your yard green without wasting water—a must in Montana’s dry summers.

3. Revamp Garden Beds with Summer Color
Now’s the time to add eye-catching plants that thrive in the sun. Choose Montana-hardy perennials and annuals like:

Coneflower

Black-eyed Susan

Yarrow

Blanketflower

Native ornamental grasses

Don’t forget to refresh your mulch to retain moisture and reduce weeds during the hottest months.

4. Add or Update Walkways and Borders
Hardscape features like stone paths and garden edging give structure to your landscape and make it easier to navigate. Summer’s dry conditions make it ideal for installing:

Flagstone or paver walkways

Natural stone borders around planting areas

Gravel or decomposed granite paths for low-maintenance charm

These improvements bring both function and beauty to your space.

5. Improve Drainage Before the Next Snowmelt
Summer’s dry soil gives you a good window to address wet spots, erosion-prone slopes, or poor drainage before fall and winter set in. Consider installing:

French drains

Swales

Dry creek beds

Rain gardens

Planning ahead now can prevent serious water issues down the line.

6. Create Play or Recreation Areas
Montana’s short summer is when kids (and adults) are outdoors the most. Make your backyard fun with:

Grassy open spaces for games

Trampolines or playsets with mulch bases

Garden beds or raised planters for family projects

Hammocks, tree swings, or yard games zones

These additions turn your yard into the go-to summer destination.

Let’s Get to Work—Before the Snow Comes Back
The warm season may be brief, but the right projects can provide year-round benefits. From practical upgrades like irrigation and drainage to beautiful additions like patios and garden beds, there’s no shortage of ways to improve your landscape this summer.

At Horizon Landscape & Irrigation, we’re here to help homeowners across Montana build yards that thrive in every season—starting with summer. Visit https://horizonlandscapemt.com to schedule your summer landscaping consultation today. Let’s make the most of this season while it lasts.