Summer lawn care is all about keeping your yard healthy during the harsh weather conditions and family activities that come along with the season. Heat waves, unpredictable rainfall, barbecues, little running feet… all these things and more are out to get your lawn. Here are some tips for keeping your lawn maintained during the hot summer:
Watering
On average, lawns need five cm of water per week to stay lush and vibrant. This amount will vary depending on the temperature. Take care not to drown your lawn with too much water or parch it during a heat-wave. You can use a rain gauge or straight-sided can to keep track of the amount of water received from rainfall and irrigation. The best time to water is early in the day to reduce evaporation caused by the hot sun.
High-Traffic Areas
The areas of your lawn that see a lot of foot traffic will show signs of wear and tear, especially during a hot and dry spell. You should consider installing stepping stones to prevent damage to your grass, and letting people know that they should avoid walking on the lawn if at all possible.
Mowing
Taller grass is more drought-tolerant, grows deeper roots, and helps shade the earth, preventing weed seeds from growing. This is why it’s best to mow your grass at around three inches in the summer. Mulching grass clippings have the added benefit of keeping moisture levels steady. You should mow your grass routinely so that you don’t have to cut more than a third of the grass blade at a time. This keeps your grass healthier and it prevents the clippings from smothering the lawn.
Fertilizing
If your lawn is struggling to look healthy in the midst of the summer heat, resist the urge to fertilize. It’s best to stop fertilizing about thirty days before the summer arrives. Using extra fertilizer to stimulate the growth in the summer will have the opposite effect. It can burn your lawn and create a flush of tender growth that will struggle during those hot summer days.
You should consider hiring a professional lawn care company like Hansen Lawn & Gardens to help with the summer maintenance of your lawn. They can help you keep your lawn luscious and green and aid you in treating or preventing problems that crop up in the summer months.