Your lawn is one of the most important parts of your home, and keeping it in pristine condition is a top priority for many homeowners. After all, a beautiful lawn can add curb appeal and value to your home.
With that said, lawn maintenance can be a bit of a challenge during the summer months. The heat and humidity can take a toll on your grass, and if you’re not careful, you can end up with a patchy, brown lawn. We don’t want that!
That’s why we’ve put together a list of our top 7 summer lawn maintenance tips. By following these, you can keep your lawn looking its best all season long!
1. Mow high and often.
During the summer months, grass grows quickly so it’s important to keep on top of your mowing. The general rule of thumb is to mow when your grass is about one-third its usual height. So, if you normally mow your lawn when it’s 6 inches tall, you should mow when it reaches about 2 inches – and mow on a weekly basis. This will encourage deeper root growth, which will help your grass withstand the heat and drought conditions that are common in summer.
2. Water deeply and less frequently.
Grass roots need to be deep in order to access moisture and nutrients, so watering deeply and less often is key to a healthy lawn. Water your lawn in the early morning hours so that the grass has time to dry before nightfall. And, be sure to water evenly across the entire lawn – avoid patchy or wet spots.
Watering your lawn also depends on the type of grass you have. If you have a cool-season grass, like Kentucky bluegrass or tall fescue, you should water about 1 inch per week. If you have warm-season grass, like Bermuda grass or zoysia grass, you can water a bit less – about ½ to ¾ inch per week.
3. Fertilize judiciously.
Fertilizing your lawn during the summer months can actually do more harm than good. Too much fertilizer can actually “burn” your grass, so it’s important to use it sparingly. There is a certain type of fertilizer that is made specifically for summer use – ask your local nursery or garden center for recommendations. If you do need to fertilize, opt for a slow-release fertilizer that will provide nutrients over a longer period of time.
4. Keep an eye on pests.
Pests like grubs and chinch bugs can do serious damage to your lawn if left unchecked. Be on the lookout for these pests, and take action immediately if you spot them. What you can do to keep your lawn pest-free will depend on the type of pest you’re dealing with. For example, grubs can be controlled with a pesticide that contains neonicotinoids, while chinch bugs can be controlled with a pesticide that contains pyrethroids. You can also contact your local cooperative extension office for recommended treatments.
5. Aerate your lawn.
By aerating your lawn, you can increase drainage while also enabling the grass’s roots to get oxygen, water, and nutrients. Aeration is especially important in lawns that are dense or compacted. It’s a good idea to aerate your lawn once a year, and the best time to do it is in the fall. However, if you have a particularly compacted lawn, you may need to aerate more than once a year. You can always aerate your lawn yourself with a hand-held aerator, or you can hire a professional to do it for you such as Heroes Lawn Care company. They will have the right equipment to do the job quickly and efficiently.
6. Overseed bare spots.
Overseeding your lawn is a great way to thicken it up and make it less susceptible to disease and pests. Overseeding also helps to fill in any bare spots that may have developed over the winter months. The best time to overseed is in the fall, but you can also do it in the spring. Just be sure to aerate your lawn first so that the new seed has a chance to take root.
Bare spots in your lawn can be caused by a variety of factors, including wear and tear, pet damage, or disease. Whatever the cause, it’s important to address bare spots as soon as possible. Overseed the area with grass seed, and be sure to keep the area well-watered until the new grass has had a chance to take root.
7. Maintain your lawn equipment.
Your lawn mower and other lawn care equipment are crucial to keeping your lawn looking its best. Be sure to clean and sharpen your mower blades on a regular basis, and lubricate all moving parts according to the manufacturer’s instructions. By taking good care of your lawn equipment, you’ll extend its lifespan and get the best possible results when you use it.
Summer is the busiest time of year for lawn care! These are just a few summer lawn maintenance tips to keep in mind. Be sure to follow these tips so that you can ensure that your lawn stays healthy and looks its best all season long.
