The heat of the summer can be difficult to endure, and your lawn may be struggling too. Here’s some advice from the pros about how to care for your lawn during the hottest months of the year.
Mowing
Longer grass is more tolerant of heat and resistant to drought while growing deeper roots. Mowing on a regular basis will help produce smaller clippings, which can be left on the grass to protect the blades from the sun and promote healthier growth. Keep your grass taller in the summer by raising the blade of your mower.
Fertilizing
It’s best to stop adding fertilizer to your lawn 30 days before summer arrives in your area. Fertilizing during the summer can burn grass and cause a growth of less resilient grass that will struggle in the heat. Wait to continue fertilizing until the fall.
Watering
Watering your lawn amply and less frequently will encourage deeper root growth. Give your lawn at least one inch of water per week, and water early in the morning to reduce evaporation. If your lawn should happen to do dormant, don’t try to water it back to life – leave it be until it recovers naturally during the fall.
Insects
Dry and damaged grass is more susceptible to insect infestations, such as cutworms, fire ants, fleas, and mosquitoes. Especially for humid areas, mosquitoes can pose a real threat during the summer months. Apply pesticides with care, but never leave standing water in your lawn and immediately treat any infestations that pop up.
Weeds
Summer is the optimal time to remove weeds before they lay seeds for next year. However, grass that is damaged by heat and drought can be more susceptible to harm from pesticides, so you may need to take a more gentle approach to removing weeds from your lawn.
With diligent care, your lawn will be healthy and ready to spring back during the fall season. Year-long growth and long-term longevity are encouraged through proper care in every temperature. If your lawn needs a revitalization this summer, you may need to enlist the lawn care services of a professional landscaping company to bring your lawn back to top shape.