The summer months are perfect for spending time outdoors, and if your lawn is well taken care of, it can become your private oasis. A lush, green lawn can be difficult to sustain in the summer due to the heat and the risk of drought. We’ve put together this summer lawn care maintenance checklist to help you keep your yard looking great even as the temperatures rise.
Maintain the proper mowing height
Mowing your grass at the right height in the summer will help it survive the hot weather and dry conditions. Shade from taller grass prevents water loss through evaporation and weed seed germination. The standard height range is 3.5 inches. Mowing with a dull blade will damage the grass and make it more susceptible to disease, so keep your blade sharp.
Effectively and thoroughly hydrating
During the summer, it is essential to water your lawn efficiently. Deep, infrequent watering is preferable to frequent shallow watering. Your lawn will be more resilient to drought if you take this approach because it promotes the growth of deep root systems. Watering in the early morning helps the grass dry out before nightfall, decreasing the likelihood of disease. The target amount of water, whether from rain or irrigation, is 1–1.5 inches per week.
Fertilize cautiously
Summertime lawn fertilization can have both positive and negative effects. While fertilizer is necessary, too much of it can cause your lawn to grow too quickly, which leaves it vulnerable to pests and diseases. If you decide to fertilize, do so sparingly and with an organic, slow-release variety. It’s best to hold off on fertilizer applications during the hottest parts of the day.
Please keep burning or stressing the grass from where you left off. Fertilizing is best done in the spring or late summer/early fall when temperatures are more bearable.
Control the weeds and insects
Weeds and insects thrive in the warm, wet conditions of summer. Check your yard frequently for signs of infestation and take preventative measures as needed. When dealing with a small weed problem, hand-pulling is an efficient and eco-friendly option. The use of targeted herbicides or pesticides should be considered for more severe cases of weed growth or pest infestation. Use the smallest amount necessary to achieve the desired result in order to reduce waste and your impact on the environment.
Dethatch and aerate
Lawns that have been aerated and dethatched benefit from reduced soil compaction and enhanced root development. By poking holes in the soil, aeration facilitates the uptake of water, air, and nutrients by the grass’s root system. Dethatching is the process of removing the accumulation of dead grass and other organic material from the top of the soil. These are best done in the spring or fall, but if your lawn is stressed or not growing well in the summer, you may need to take action then.
Patch up the holes
Damage to your lawn from people walking on it and other summertime activities is common. The soil in these spots can be fixed by raking to loosen it and clearing away any debris. The next step is to spread a thin layer of topsoil before scattering grass seed across the ground. Sow the grass seed thinly and gently rake it into the soil, then water the area frequently to keep it consistently moist.
Check and adjust your upkeep schedule
As temperatures and precipitation levels fluctuate throughout the summer, you may need to make adjustments to your lawn care schedule. Adjust your lawn’s watering, mowing, and fertilizing routines based on how it looks and how well it’s doing. You must be adaptable if you want your lawn to look great and remain healthy throughout the entire season.
In the warmer months, nothing beats relaxing on a well-kept lawn. If you follow this lawn care maintenance checklist throughout the summer, you can keep your yard looking great despite the heat and drought. Keep in mind that preparation and regularity are the keys to a beautiful lawn that will last throughout the season.