If you're anything like us, maintaining a healthy, green lawn year-round is something you strive to accomplish. From backyard barbeques and yard games to growing a bright, beautiful garden, your yard is the best spot to spend your summer! However, during the hot, dry months to come, this can become more and more challenging.
With harsh weather conditions, increased foot traffic, and other potentially harmful factors, your grass will require extra attention between June and September. To maintain a strong lawn this summer, check out our simple lawn-care tips to beat the heat!
Fertilize Regularly
Fertilizing your lawn is one of the most important things you can do to ensure it receives the nutrients it needs to grow. Normal summer conditions can be tough on grass, stripping it of the nutrients it needs to allow thick, healthy growth to protect the soil and prevent weeds.
Spreading fertilizer in the summer is necessary to follow up all of the work you put into your lawn this spring to prepare it for summer. This will help to limit avoidable damages and promote an improved root system that resists heat, droughts, mowing, foot traffic, and other summer factors.
Water Efficiently
Your grass is most vulnerable to dehydration during this time, making it essential that you establish an efficient watering routine early on. Determining what works best for you may take some time, and will depend on your region, watering restrictions, and type of grass seed.
Set your sprinklers for the early morning to allow the water to penetrate deep, reaching the roots before the sun dries it out. While it varies, most homes require 1 to 1.5 inches of water each week. You can see how far the water reaches by poking the soil with a sharp gardening tool or screwdriver.
Mow High
If you cut your grass too short in the summer, your soil is at a higher risk of drying out from extreme sun exposure. Keeping your grass high not only protects your soil from the beating sun but the roots as well. Taller grass allows the roots also to grow longer, reaching down further for water on those hot summer days.
Set your blades to one of the highest settings on your lawnmower to ensure you aren't over mowing or causing stress to your lawn. Over the next few weeks, continue to lower the blade each time you mow until you find your desired grass length. You'll be surprised what a difference this makes in the health and look of your lawn!
Reevaluate Your Grass Seed
If you've previously planted low-quality grass seed, you may find that your lawn isn't equipped to take on the summer heat. While the summer may not be the best time to begin planting new grass seed, it's an excellent time to get to know your lawn and prepare for the cooler growing season.
A quality grass seed that is professionally recommended to thrive at your home can make a huge difference in your lawn. Find an adaptable, high-quality grass seed, like our Sports Lawn Blend, to combat threats from the summer heat and sun.
Ready to start the season strong with a yard that can take on all of your summertime activities? We're always here to help! To learn more, contact us today at Curtis and Curtis Seed to receive personalized recommendations and find the perfect grass seed for your next project! 