A prolonged period of hot, dry weather can be stressful for both gardeners and plants.

That’s because heat, humidity and low rain levels ultimately can lead to the devastation of lawns, shrubs and gardens.

While a drought can be a burden for any gardener, experts suggest several tips to maintain and keep your garden beautiful during a summer drought:

• Mulch properly — Use two to three inches of mulch around trees and shrubs and one to two inches around vegetable and flower plants to keep the soil temperature cooler and to keep moisture in the ground.

• Water early or late — To cut down on water loss through evaporation, watering in the early morning or evening is best.

• Use soaker hoses or a drip-irrigation system — By using soaker hoses and drip-irrigation systems, water can be directed to the root zone rather than the leaves, which causes less chance of evaporation.

• Use rainwater to water your plants — Save rainwater by putting a rain collector under downspouts from the roof. Use a watering can to apply the rainwater to plants.

• Plant drought-tolerant species — Choose annuals or perennials that can survive in high heat, high humidity and low water conditions.