Summer is just around the corner. And while most of us are excited about fun in the sun, our lawns may not be as thrilled. The hot temperatures, drought, and increased foot traffic can do some serious damage to our grass. However, with the right lawn care practices, you can keep your lawn looking healthy and beautiful all summer long. Jump into these top five lawn care tips for summer.
In this blog post, we’ll be sharing some summer lawn care tips to help you beat the heat and keep your lawn in tip-top shape.
Lawn Care Tips for Summer
Summer is approaching, and it’s time to get your lawn ready for the hot months ahead. With the sun beating down and temperatures rising, taking care of your lawn can be a tough task.
However, with the right lawn care tips, you can keep your grass looking lush and green all season long. Here are the five lawn care tips for summer that you need to know.
1. Watering Techniques for Summer
Proper watering is crucial to prevent your lawn from getting dehydrated and stressed. During the summer months, your grass will need more water than usual to stay healthy. You should aim to give your lawn about an inch of water per week, either through rainfall or irrigation.
However, it’s important to avoid overwatering, as this can create ideal conditions for diseases to develop. Instead, water your lawn deeply and less frequently. This will encourage your lawn to develop a deep root system, making it more resistant to drought and other stressors.
2. Mowing Tips for Summer
Maintaining the proper mowing height is essential for a healthy lawn during the summer. You should keep your grass at a height of around 3-4 inches. This will help your grass retain moisture and shade the soil, keeping it cooler.
Also, you should avoid mowing your lawn too short, as this can weaken your grass and leave it vulnerable to pests and diseases. You should also adjust your mowing frequency based on how quickly your grass is growing. During periods of growth, you may need to mow your lawn more often to keep it looking neat and tidy.
3. Fertilization
Fertilization is an important part of maintaining a healthy lawn all year round, but it’s especially important during the summer months. The intense heat and sun can cause soil to dry out and lose essential nutrients, which can lead to brown patches in your lawn. It’s recommended that you fertilize your lawn every 6-8 weeks during the summer.
When choosing a fertilizer, consider slow-release options. These types of fertilizers release nutrients over a longer period of time, which means less watering and fewer applications.
Alternatively, you may also want to consider organic options, such as compost made from food scraps, leaves, and grass clippings. Organic lawn fertilizer will help feed your lawn with natural, slow-release nutrients over the course of the summer.
4. Weed and Pest Control
Summer is also prime time for weed and pest problems. Common pests include grubs, chinch bugs, and sod webworms. For weed control, it’s important to be proactive.
You can utilize a pre-emergent herbicide before weed seeds have a chance to take root in your lawn. If you already have weeds, look for selective herbicides that target specific types of weeds while leaving your grass untouched.
For pest control, look for products that target the specific types of pests in your area. Neem oil is an organic option that helps repel a variety of insects, from mites to beetles.
Always follow the instructions on the product label and avoid overusing pesticides, which can harm beneficial insects and cause damage to your lawn.
5. Managing Foot Traffic and Heat Stress
Summer also means more foot traffic on your lawn, from kids playing to hosting backyard barbecues.
However, too much foot traffic can cause your grass to become compacted, which makes it difficult for water and nutrients to reach the roots. This can lead to dry, brown patches of grass.
To avoid this, try creating designated pathways with stepping stones or pavers. You can also encourage guests to stay on patios or decks or use temporary protective measures, such as plywood sheets or grass-friendly mats.
And don’t forget to water your lawn more frequently during periods of heavy foot traffic or heat waves! Heat stress can really take a toll on a lawn, so managing it is of utmost importance.
Final Thoughts
Keeping your lawn healthy during the summer months requires some care and attention, but with these five lawn care tips for summer, it’s easier than you may think. Proper watering, mowing, fertilization, and shade can all contribute to a lush and vibrant lawn all season long.
So, beat the heat and give your lawn the care it needs to stay healthy and beautiful. With these tips, you can create the perfect summer lawn. Happy summer!
