How's your lawn holding up this summer? As the temperatures rise and the days get longer, your grass requires extra attention to thrive. Maintaining a healthy lawn in the summer months involves a combination of various tasks to help your grass stay vibrant and resilient, so we're bringing in the summer lawn care tips you need to succeed. From mowing techniques to fertilization schedules, there are a few things to keep in mind when caring for your lawn during the summer:
Feed and Fertilize, If Necessary
"Summer is peak season for fertilizing warm-season grasses, such as Bermudagrass and Zoysiagrass," shares Roger May, TruGreen’s Director of Technical Operations. Pay attention to your grass varieties to know what's best. "Warm-season grasses need nitrogen-rich fertilizer in the late spring and summer as they grow more actively during the hottest time of the year. Avoid fertilizers containing nitrogen when these grass types are dormant or when they begin to enter dormancy in the late summer and fall. Cool-season grasses such as Kentucky Bluegrass and Tall Fescue need less fertilizer application in the summertime unless the lawns are irrigated daily."
Mow at a High Length, and Keep Blades Sharp
Dull blades can harm grass, and cause grass blade damage. "Homeowners should avoid mowing cool-season grasses on hot days, and plan to mow warm-season grasses more frequently to avoid mowing your lawn too short and potentially exposing the soil level," recommends May. Yes, you might have taller grass, but it'll be healthy grass. "Cool-season grasses will benefit from being mowed high in the summer. This practice helps to shade the ground and keeps the soil cooler."
Water Deeply
Watering your lawn deeply during the hot weather helps to ensure that grass roots grow strong and deep, making the lawn more drought-resistant and promoting a green lawn. Aim to provide at least one inch of water per week, whether from rainfall or irrigation. The best way to achieve this is to water your lawn less frequently but for longer periods, allowing the moisture to penetrate the soil. Early morning is the best, as it reduces evaporation and the summer heat helps the grass to dry before evening, preventing fungal growth.
