Lawn care during the summer requires careful attention to watering, mowing, fertilizing, and pest control. Here are some detailed tips to help you keep your lawn looking its best:
Watering
- Frequency: Water your lawn deeply and infrequently. Aim for about 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week, including rainfall.
- Timing: Water early in the morning (between 6 and 10 AM) to reduce evaporation and prevent fungal growth.
- Technique: Use a sprinkler system or hose to water evenly. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to shallow root growth and increase the risk of disease.
Mowing
- Height: Set your mower blades to a higher setting (around 3 to 4 inches). Taller grass shades the soil, reducing water evaporation and discouraging weed growth.
- Frequency: Mow regularly but avoid cutting more than one-third of the grass height at a time.
- Blades: Keep mower blades sharp to ensure clean cuts, which help prevent disease.
Fertilizing
- Type: Use a slow-release, balanced fertilizer formulated for summer use.
- Timing: Apply fertilizer in the early summer and again in mid-summer if needed.
- Quantity: Follow the recommended application rates on the fertilizer packaging to avoid over-fertilizing, which can damage the lawn.
Weed Control
- Manual Removal: Pull weeds by hand or use a weeding tool to remove them, roots and all.
- Herbicides: Use pre-emergent herbicides in late spring to prevent weed seeds from germinating and post-emergent herbicides to tackle existing weeds. Be cautious with herbicide use in hot weather to avoid damaging the lawn.
Pest Control
- Monitoring: Regularly inspect your lawn for signs of pests such as grubs, chinch bugs, or armyworms.
- Treatment: If pests are detected, use appropriate insecticides or natural predators to control them. Follow label instructions carefully.
Aeration
- Timing: Aerate your lawn in late spring or early summer to reduce soil compaction and improve water and nutrient absorption.
- Method: Use a core aerator to remove small plugs of soil from the lawn.
Shade Management
- Tree Pruning: Trim trees and bushes to allow more sunlight to reach the grass.
- Shade-Tolerant Grass: In heavily shaded areas, consider planting shade-tolerant grass varieties.
Soil Testing
- Frequency: Test your soil every few years to monitor pH levels and nutrient content.
- Amendments: Add lime or sulfur as needed to adjust pH levels and apply specific nutrients based on soil test results.
Dealing with Heat Stress
- Syringing: Lightly mist the lawn with water during the hottest part of the day to cool it down without overwatering.
- Avoid Heavy Traffic: Minimize foot traffic and heavy equipment use on the lawn during extreme heat to prevent soil compaction and turf damage.
The summer heat can be tough on your grass but there are ways to stop it from happening.