Summer Lawn Care Tips

As summer comes into full swing, we can expect some harsh conditions, such as high temperatures and a lack of precipitation. These conditions can easily stress your lawn, but there are ways to keep it looking its best throughout the summer months. If you are wondering how you can keep your lawn looking lush and green all summer, follow along to these tips we’ve put together, including tips for watering your lawn, treating weeds, mowing tips, and how to feed and fertilize your lawn through the hot summer months.

1. Watering Your Lawn Efficiently

How Much Water Does my Lawn Need?

Watering your lawn regularly can have a big impact on its health. Summer lawns require at least one inch of water every week or more if it has been extremely hot. Try leaving a tin can outside and track the amount of water the lawn receives from the rain, that way you can better keep track of how much your lawn requires without over or under watering it. Try not to over water your lawn because this can cause harm. Allow the surface to dry out (at least one inch of soil), and this will prevent fungal disease and weeds. This also promotes grass with deep roots, which also helps to prevent damage caused by drought.

When Should I Water my Lawn?

The weather is constantly changing, but one thing for certain in the summertime, is that precipitation can be few and far between and unpredictable. This makes watering your lawn particularly important. It is also important to water efficiently, to reduce wasted water, and you never know if the government might impose water restriction if there is a long stretch of drought.

Try watering your lawn during cooler parts of the day. The hottest part of the day is usually around noon and into mid to late after noon (11AM-3PM). It is best to water very early in the morning (before 10AM). This will ensure the water isn’t quickly absorbed by the sun and has time to absorb what it needs. Watering earlier in the day also prepares the grass for the extreme temperatures later in the day by keeping the blades stronger and under less stress. Avoid watering in the evening because water that is left unabsorbed for too long can increase the chances of fungal disease. By watering earlier in the day this gives your lawn plenty of time to absorb the water.

2. Treating Weeds

Avoid Harsh Chemicals

When weeding your lawn try to avoid any harsh chemicals that can potentially cause more damage to your already stressed lawn. Instead, when removing weeds, do it by hand and fill the holes with grass seeds. This will ensure you are pulling the entire root and filling it in with future growth. Keep in mind, that if you do end up using weed control products, the temperature must be below 85 degrees Fahrenheit for at least two days. The best way to get rid of weeds is maintaining a lawn that makes it difficult for them to grow and thrive. Low-mowed grass, compacted soil, and water deprivation, are all factors that will encourage weed growth. Maintaining a consistent lawn maintenance schedule will help to combat those undesirable weeds.

3. Properly Mowing Your Lawn

Keep Your Mower Blade Sharp

Always keep your mower blade sharp. This allows for an even and clean cut. Dull blades are more likely to rip the lawn as opposed to cutting, which can cause stress on the grass. Sharpen your blade at least twice a year, once at the start of the season and than again mid-way through the season. If your blade is damaged, it’s an easy replacement, and should be repaired right away.

Mow Regularly and Keep Your Blade Height High

Mow regularly and keep your mower blades as high as you can, typically around three to four inches, never cutting more than one third of the grass blade at a time. This prevents clippings from smothering the grass and keeps your lawn looking good. A higher grass height also means that the individual grass blades have more surface area for photosynthesis to occur, resulting in more growth, a better root system, and a healthier lawn.

4. Maintaining a Clean Yard

During the winter and spring months, leaves, sticks and other debris can make their way onto your lawn and over time they can start to decay. Remove all winter debris and keep your lawn clear throughout the summer months. Clearing out debris is important because it gets rid of bugs, fungus and diseases that may have gathered over the summer and fall. Removing leaves from your lawn also allows your grass to breath and grow roots that will last through the winter. This is especially important in the fall months before the snow hits.

5. Feeding & Fertilizing

When Should I Fertilize my Lawn?

This should be done early in the summer. It is best to practice fertilizing about 30 days before your areas summer temperatures arrive. Fertilizing during the heat of summer can damage your lawn and encourage new growth that cannot survive the summer heat. When applying the fertilizer with your spreader, start at one end of your lawn. Be careful when overlapping, as you want to avoid double dosing the lawn.

We hope these tips help keep your lawn looking green and lush all summer long! For more lawn and garden tips, check our YouTube channel. If any of your lawn and garden equipment are in need of a repair, we have you covered with our large selection of OEM replacement parts for in and around your home.