Many people prepare for the summer by thinking about their “summer body” since the warmer weather gives more opportunities for things like pool days. It is also important, however, to prepare to take care of your yard. Between the warm temperatures, barbeques, and increased foot traffic, your lawn will also have more opportunities to be seen and admired.
Summer Lawn Care
Lawns need at least one inch of water per week, more if the heat is really severe (100 degrees or more over a long period of time). It is unlikely this need will be met through natural precipitation, although a rain gauge can help you make sure of this by keeping track of any water received from rainfall.
It might be tempting to water your lawn a bit every day to promote constant growth, but it is actually more strategic to water deeply and less frequently. This will allow your grass to adapt to drought-like conditions and create stronger grass growth.
Remember to keep your water schedule regular. If you wait for your grass to show signs of browning or going dormant, it is already too late. Watering it under these conditions can harm your grass. If this happens, it is better to wait until fall to try to revive your lawn. The weather change should help it come back to life.
Mowing Your Lawn
Longer grass is more drought resistant during the summer. The added length allows the roots to grow deeper since the earth is more shaded; this prevents weed seeds from germinating. You may need to raise your mower blade to ensure that your grass stays at a good healthy height. Cool-season grasses should be kept at 3”-4” during the summer and warm-season grasses should be kept at 2”-3”. You should also make sure your mower blades are kept sharp to reduce stress on your yard.
One tip to make the most of your yard is that grass clippings can be used with mulch to help keep the moisture levels in the soil steady. Even your lawn clippings can be used to help cultivate your lawn, so no part of your yard needs go to waste.
Don’t Over Fertilize
Over-fertilizing your yard can create an abundance of new growth that will not be able to withstand the hot summer weather, leading to a brown and lackluster lawn in the long run. The best time to fertilize your lawn is about 30 days before your summer temperatures set in.
Treating High Traffic Areas
Installing stepping stones can help minimize the damage to your grass and keep individuals from stepping on the lawn. If an area looks a bit worn down, adding in fertilizer will help replenish the nutrients in the soil for the grass and encourage growth. Try to encourage individuals to avoid walking on the grass until after it has grown a bit.
Combatting Insects and Diseases
Dormant or drought-stressed lawns are more susceptible to insect infestations of chinch bugs, cutworms, fire ants, fleas, and mosquitoes. Keep these insects at bay by ensuring your lawn is well-maintained. If they are already a problem, use eco-friendly insect killers or repellent to regain control.
Powdery mildew and brown patch are also common diseases during the hot summer months. You may need to use a fungicide to treat these issues. Avoid watering your lawn in the evening so that excess moisture, an underlying cause for these diseases, is not a recurring problem.
Creating Your Dream Summer Landscape
With school out and the hot sun beating down, it may be hard to find the time and energy to adequately take care of your lawn. With the help of the experts at Landscape by Design, however, the pillowy lawn of your dreams is achievable. They will make sure that you have all the tools and help necessary to ensure that your lawn is ready for everything the summer brings. Contact our team today for more information on our landscaping services and to schedule a consultation.