Summer is approaching fast, and here are a few tips that could prove useful in keeping your lawn green throughout the hot summer. Many lawns brown out and dry in the summer heat for various reasons. Lack of water, mowing height and intense heat all factor into this problem.
1. How and when to water your lawn in the summer
In the hot summer months you will want to keep your lawn well watered. It is always best to water in the early morning, allowing the grass to dry by nightfall. Wet grass in the evenings and through the night will foster fungus and mold. Always remember that is it better to water deeply a few times a week than to water shallow every day. Deep watering encourages the roots to grow deeper and become healthier. The average healthy lawn should get around 1 inch of water per week.
2. Mowing tips for maintaining a healthy lawn
a. Mow when your lawn is dry.
You may be tempted to mow your lawn right after watering or rain, but when wet grass is cut it spreads around weeds and fungus. This is bad for the lawn. Wait for the lawn to dry out if you can. There is a much lower risk of damaging your lawn.
b. Don't cut your grass too short
It is important for grass to grow longer in the summer, despite the fact that short grass looks better at the golf course next door. As a general principal, your lawn should be cut at 3-3.5 inches. Keep your lawn healthy by only cutting the top 1/3 on any given week. This will keep the grass green, aesthetically pleasing, and protected from parasites and diseases.
c. Keep your blades sharp
In the summer, it's especially important to cut the grass, not hack it down. Sharp blades will ensure the grass gets cut, make it easier to cut and give your lawn an appealing look. Also, make sure to leave the clippings on the lawn a few times throughout the season to provide nutrients for the soil. But don't leave clumps of grass, as that will create a thatch layer that will prevent nutrients from contacting the soil.
3. Fertilizing your lawn
Fertilize after you mow, when the grass is dry. If the grass is wet, the fertilizer will stick to the grass and burn it. Use a spreader to get even distribution. It is best to fertilize 2-3 times per year: spring and midsummer. Also, be sure to put down grub treatment in the early Summer. It serves as an "insurance policy" to protect the treatments applied throughout the season from lawn damage.
These practices will keep your lawn healthy, green, and the envy of the neighborhood.
These practices will keep your lawn healthy, green, and the envy of the neighborhood.
Tyler Kaiser
T.J. Landscaping Inc.
