Caring for lawns during the heat of summer, isn’t rocket
science. You water, mow and fertilize, and usually you’re
home-free. Ah, but there is a bit of science involved to make sure
your lawn isn’t stressed and is looking its best.
Caring for lawns during the heat of summer, isn’t rocket science. You water, mow and fertilize, and usually you’re home-free. Ah, but there is a bit of science involved to make sure your lawn isn’t stressed and is looking its best.
One of the easiest things you can do is raise the height of your mower. During the fall and winter, it’s fine to mow your lawn low. But during the heat of summer, your lawn is less stressed when cut at about three inches in height. Usually this means raising the height of your mower to it’s highest or nearly it’s highest point. Cutting too short translates to the roots drying out faster and the need to water more and more. Basically, longer blades of grass means longer roots, which makes for a thicker canopy. If your lawn doesn’t hold moisture well, this gives weeds the opportunity to take hold.
Three inches may seem high, but your lawn will thank you for it. If you’re not sure just how high three inches of grass is, try dropping a golf ball in your grass. If it nearly disappears, that’s the proper height.
Even when you mow the lawn can make a difference. Did you know that mowing late in the day, such as dusk, reduces the stress on the grass? It’s also a great idea to water after you mow to lessen the stress on the lawn, too.
Of course, it’s best to make sure you’re watering enough, too. Most lawns probably need water about every other day in our area during the summer. But if we’re in the midst of a heat wave, go ahead and water every day. For the most part, it’s best to water in the early morning or late in the day when evaporation is lowest. Also, when you do water, do so deeply. Don’t tease your lawn by sprinkling it. Sprinkling encourages shallow roots and an unhealthy lawn. I would say 15 to 20 minutes per station should be sufficient most of the time.
Fertilizing is needed during the peak summer season, however, you do have to be careful about how much you apply. Always use some sort of fertilizer spreader to apply rather than distributing by hand. Drop spreaders or hand-held whirlybird applicators are fine. Also try not to fertilize when it’s really hot. Wait for the weather to cool somewhat, and water after applying.
In addition to dry, granular fertilizers, I always supplement my lawn fertilizing with a liquid fertilizer, such as Miracle Grow. The nice thing about liquid fertilizer is that your lawn is getting fertilizer through the grass blades in addition to the roots.
Finally, if you can’t remember the last time you had your lawn aerated, then it’s probably time to do so. If you’re never aerated your lawn, then it’s definitely time! Core aeration pulls out small plugs of grass and dirt, which loosens the soil and allows it to breathe. Roots need air just as much as they need water and fertilizer. You can rent power aerators at any rental equipment company, or hire someone to do it. There’s also a nifty hand device made by Hound Dog that pulls two cores at a time out as you go around pushing the tool into the ground with your foot. It’s great for small lawns, or if you have plenty of time on your hands. Water well beforehand to make things easier. Finally, forget about that commercial that recommends you walk on your grass with golf shoes.
Trust me, that won’t aerate your lawn!
