Summer Lawn Care Tips

Summertime, summertime, has been the theme of many songs over the years. For most people, summertime is the time for vacations and enjoying porches, decks, and yards. However, for those who have yards to enjoy, summertime means extra care for lawns. High heat, pounding rain storms, and often an overabundance of insects make summer lawn care essential if you plan to have a lawn to enjoy. There are several things to make sure you do to keep a lawn happy and healthy during the summer months. Here are some tips for summer lawn care:

• Keeping a lawn at a length, usually a little longer than in cooler months, is important. Research what type of grass you have as different types recommend different mowing heights for summer. Longer grass blades reduce water evaporation as the soil is shaded. Make sure to use a mower with a sharp blade. Research shows the sharpness of a blade lasts for approximately 10 mows of an average-sized lawn. Dull blades will rip blade edges which in turn can allow disease organisms a way to enter. Most professionals recommend leaving grass clippings for added moisture retention and fertilizer.
• Speaking of fertilizer, learn if your lawn is designed for cool or warm season fertilizing. Check with the professionals about the best type of fertilizer for your lawn and the best time or times in the summer to fertilize.
• Insects, referred to as grubs, are a particular problem during the summer. Keep a close eye on your lawn and treat the grass as soon as you notice signs of infestation. Some of the insects to watch for are June bugs and Japanese beetles. Check with your local nursery for the best treatment available to eliminate your particular pest.
• Weeds also like the summer to grow big and strong. There are a number of commercial products designed to help you keep weeds controlled without hurting the lawn. Ask professionals for advice on your type of grass. Also, if you have pets or young children, you need to be sure any weed killer used is safe if ingested. This warning is also true for pest control.
• Keep your yard free of litter, including animal excrements. Also, placing heavy objects such as vehicles or trailers on your grass will prevent sun and moisture from keeping your grass green and healthy.
• And last, but certainly not least, is appropriate summer watering for your lawn. Lawns need water regularly, but the amount of rain in your area will dictate how often. Some communities have water restrictions which will need to be taken into account. Ideally, you will have an automatic watering system you can set for proper watering. Most lawn care professionals recommend watering early evening, giving the water time to soak in but not sit on the lawn all night.

Lawns are beautiful when taken care of properly. Summer lawn care is a must, or your lawn can wither and even die. It is nice to have a professional lawn care service, but the above tips on summer lawn care will help those who do their own lawn maintenance. These tips are a summary of the many helpful ideas you can find online and at your local nursery or cooperative extension office, so be sure to research for any specific concerns.