By Jenny Biczak, LawnCentral
Photographs courtesy of LawnCentral
Summer is all about having fun in the sun! Lucky for us, when we’ve had a bit too much sunshine, we can go inside for a much-needed break with a cool refreshment and an arctic blast from the AC. Our lawn, on the other hand, may need some extra attention to make it through the hot summer months unscathed.
A few simple adjustments to your maintenance routine will keep your turf looking healthy and happy all season long. While many of these tips can be applied across the board, there are certain considerations that should be taken based on the type of grass that you have. Reach out to a local professional or extension office if you need extra advice on how to keep that grass alive and thriving.
First Things First
Water your lawn in the morning for best results. Watering early in the day prevents evaporation and potential disease. Making sure that your lawn has adequate water encourages root growth, making your lawn stronger and healthier overall. Pay attention to local water restrictions to coordinate your watering and adjust accordingly. Setting up timed irrigation is a great way to monitor your watering to make sure you are providing ample water without overdoing it. Basic hose timers are also an option to consider as an alternative to sprinkler systems.
Let It Grow
Cut loose and let that lawn grow a little longer than usual. Taller grass requires less energy to grow, encourages root growth and deters weeds from taking over. Keeping the grass at a taller height during the summer will also limit stress on the lawn and may reduce the frequency of having to mow. It is a win-win situation for everyone!
When it is time to mow, make sure your mower blades are sharp! A clean cut minimizes damage to the blade, allowing the grass to heal quickly and not brown due to injury. Another tip is to ditch the bagger. Mulch your clippings into the lawn to maintain moisture and keep it hydrated.
Take it Easy
In spring and fall, making sure that your lawn is properly fed makes a world of difference in the overall health and maintenance of your turf. In the summer you can relax and hold off on the fertilizer if the temperatures begin to soar. Feeding in times of high heat or drought will just add more stress to an already stressful situation by pushing the grass to grow when it really doesn’t have the energy to do so.
Keeping your lawn watered, maintaining a good height, and cutting back on the fertilizer will make a big difference in the health of your turf during the hot summer months. Hopefully, these guidelines will ensure a trouble-free summer spent outdoors with warm sunshine, loads of laughs and lush green grass.
At lawncentral.com you’ll find inspiration, advice and answers to your lawn care questions.
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