With the arrival of summer, it’s time to equip yourself with essential tips to ensure your lawn thrives during the warmer months. In this blog post, we’ll cover our top 10 recommendations to help you achieve a lush and vibrant lawn this summer.
1. Water Adequately:
Your lawn requires approximately 1 inch of water per week, either from rainfall or sprinklers, here in the Twin Cities. As temperatures soar above 85 degrees, increase the amount to 1.5 inches. Neglecting to adjust your irrigation system accordingly is the primary reason for dry lawns.
2. Morning Watering:
Opt for morning watering sessions to minimize water loss through evaporation. Additionally, this timing allows the lawn to absorb water effectively before the scorching afternoon sun sets in.
3. Morning Mowing:
To avoid excessive water loss and potential lawn browning, mow in the morning when temperatures are cooler, especially if they exceed 85 degrees. Never mow during the afternoon or evening when temperatures exceed 85 degrees.
4. Adjust Mower Height:
As temperatures rise, adjust your mower’s cutting height accordingly. We recommend maintaining a mowing height of 3.5 to 4.5 inches in summer. This practice helps protect your lawn from heat stress.
5. Embrace Lawn Clippings:
Instead of collecting lawn clippings, return them to your lawn. These clippings serve as a natural source of nutrients that benefit your lawn for years to come. They also act as a water-retaining mulch layer.
6. Choose Appropriate Fertilizers:
Opt for slow-release fertilizers that provide nutrients gradually throughout the summer. Fast-release fertilizers can potentially damage the grass due to their quick-release nature.
7. Combat Weeds:
Summer months often witness an increase in weed growth. Stay vigilant by regularly applying weed control. Although weed control uptake may decrease in the heat, fall retreatments will get them under control.
8. Postpone Seeding until Fall:
Young seedlings face significant challenges during the scorching summer heat. Instead, wait for the cooler fall temperatures to provide the ideal conditions for successful seeding. If you’ve already seeded some areas this spring, ensure consistent watering to protect the delicate plants.
9. Mindful Placement of Objects:
Be cautious with objects such as pools, tents, or any items left on the lawn. These objects can heat up and restrict the grass’s access to water, causing brown patches or even death. Regularly move these items around the lawn to minimize stress.
10. Monitor and Address Brown Spots:
Summer stress can lead to the emergence of brown spots on your lawn. Keep a close eye on these areas and promptly take corrective action to prevent their spread. If you need assistance, feel free to send us photos, and our team at bioLawn will help identify the issue and provide recommended solutions.
If you’re unsure where to begin with your summer lawn care, don’t hesitate to give us a call! Our expert staff is dedicated to ensuring the health and vitality of your lawn. For more information, visit our website today!