Summer Lawn Care: Top Strategies For A Healthy Yard
July… a month that is often overwhelmingly hot, humid and challenging for plants. It’s the perfect time to focus on nurturing your lawn to ensure it remains lush, vibrant, and healthy - no matter what kind of heat the summer brings!
Here are some top strategies to help you achieve a successful and surviving lawn this season:
Mowing is more than just a routine task; it's crucial for maintaining lawn health. Set your mower blades to a higher setting, around 3-4 inches, to encourage deep root growth and shade the soil, which helps retain moisture. Remember to mow regularly, removing no more than one-third of the grass height at a time to avoid stressing your lawn.
Watering is essential during the summer, but it's important to do it efficiently. Water your lawn early in the morning to minimize evaporation and ensure the moisture reaches the roots. Aim for deep, infrequent watering—about 1 inch per week—rather than frequent shallow watering, which can promote weak root systems.
Feeding your lawn with the right nutrients is vital for its health and appearance. Use a slow-release, nitrogen-rich fertilizer to support steady growth throughout the season. Be sure to follow the instructions carefully to avoid over-fertilizing, which can lead to excessive growth and potential damage.
Summer is prime time for weeds and pests to invade your lawn. Regularly inspect your yard for any signs of trouble. Use pre-emergent herbicides to prevent weeds and spot-treat any that appear. For pests, consider organic or chemical treatments based on the type and severity of the infestation. Maintaining a healthy lawn can also naturally reduce the likelihood of pest problems.
Aeration helps alleviate soil compaction, allowing air, water, and nutrients to penetrate the grassroots. Late summer or early fall is an ideal time for aeration. Following aeration, overseeding can help fill in thin or bare spots, promoting a dense and resilient lawn.
Incorporate organic matter like mulch and compost to improve soil quality and retain moisture. Mulch around trees and garden beds to reduce water evaporation and suppress weeds. Compost enriches the soil with nutrients, enhancing overall lawn health.
As summer progresses, adjust your lawn care practices to respond to changing conditions. Monitor the weather and modify your watering schedule accordingly. During extreme heat or drought, consider reducing mowing frequency and letting the grass grow a bit taller to protect the soil.
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