It can be challenging to keep your grass green during the hot summer months. Fortunately, you can grow a vibrant, lush lawn and boost your property’s curb appeal by following just a few simple tips. Here is everything you need to know to maintain a healthy lawn all summer long.
Water the Grass Deeply
Don’t simply water more often when it’s hot. Care for your grass year-round to help it become stronger. Watering grass too often causes the roots to grow closer to the surface of the soil. Your lawn’s root system will be shallow and the grass will struggle in the hottest days when water is often more scarce.
It’s more effective to water grass deeply two to three times per week throughout the year and increase the frequency during the summer months. Your grass will perform better when it’s extremely hot because its root system is more protected deep within the ground.
Maintain a Healthy Lawn: Water Early in the Day
It’s best to water the yard in the early morning hours. If you use sprinklers, timing them to turn on around 5 AM each day is a good practice. Watering when the sun is hot often causes the water to evaporate before it can seep down to the roots. When you water in the morning, the soil has time to absorb the water before the hottest part of the day.
Don’t water the lawn at night. This encourages moist conditions that become a fungal breeding ground.
Set Lawnmower Blades to a Higher Position
Cutting your grass too short causes damage and browning. Never remove more than ⅓ of the length of the blades. This is a healthy height; the taller blades shade the root system and help the soil retain moisture.
Use Fertilizer to Maintain a Healthy Lawn
It’s easier to maintain a healthy lawn when the grass is fertilized properly. A good rule of thumb is to apply fertilizer when the grass is actively growing. Nitrogen is one of the most important fertilizer ingredients for encouraging growth. If you notice that your grass grows too fast between mowing sessions, use a fertilizer with less nitrogen.
Keep the Mower Maintained
It doesn’t matter whether you’re using an electric mower, a riding lawnmower, or a self-propelled model; your lawn will be healthier when the mower’s blades are sharp. Blunt blades can’t cut grass effectively. Instead, they tear at the grass and cause damage.
Don’t Mow in the Heat
Don’t mow your yard during the hottest part of the day. The combination of getting cut and being under stress from the heat can cause damage to your lawn. Mow in the late afternoon, evening, or early morning hours. This also protects you from overheating and heatstroke.
Keep Foot Traffic to a Minimum to Maintain a Healthy Lawn
If the lawn is struggling and turning brown, improve its condition by reducing foot traffic. Don’t walk on the grass or use the lawn until it has recovered. Put up a “stay off the grass” sign if you need to until your lawn is in good shape.
Select the Correct Grass
Your selection of grass seed plays a large part in your ability to keep it green during hot summers. There are cool-season grasses that work well in northern climates and hot-season grasses that work best in the south. Make sure you’ve chosen the type of grass that grows best in your climate and location.
Florida Superior Inspections offers inspection services to Southwest Florida. If you’re buying or selling a home, contact us to schedule an appointment.