The hot weather impacts everything in your yard, from the flowers in the front garden beds to the trees you planted in the backyard. One of the things affected most by intense heat is your grass. Adjusting your summer lawn care routine is essential to keep the grass healthy, green, and resilient. Here are some changes to make as days get hotter and longer.
Summer Lawn Care: Don’t Mow Too Short
Many people see neatly manicured lawns and assume their properties should look the same. However, summer weather requires you to alter your routine and leave grass blades taller. Grass blades that are longer offer more shade to the soil, which slows evaporation and protects the roots. When mowing, don’t cut more than a third of the length of the grass.
Sharpen Mower Blades
Dull lawnmower blades rip and tear at the grass, leaving it more vulnerable to damage. Sharpen the mower blades at the beginning of summer. Depending on how often you mow, you might have to do it again in the middle of summer.
Avoid hitting rocks and other items in the landscaping that can damage or bend the lawnmower blades.
Leave Grass Clippings Behind
Do you collect grass clippings in a bag as you mow? Leave the grass sitting on the surface to give your lawn extra nutrients. As the grass decays, it will fertilize the soil naturally and supplement your summer lawn care routine. You’ll have a healthier lawn and save money on fertilizer.
Get Rid of Grubs for Summer Lawn Care Success
Many different pests, including Japanese beetles and lawn grubs, can become a problem in the spring and summer. As the weather warms, the eggs hatch into hungry grubs that eat the roots, destroy grass, and take nutrients from the soil. Don’t overwater the grass, remove thatch, and aerate the lawn to help prevent thriving grub populations and permanent lawn damage.
Water Carefully
Proper watering is the foundation of good summer lawn care and watering too much or at the wrong time of day could waste money and water. When watering in the summer:
- Factor rain into your watering schedule
- Water in the early morning so moisture can soak in before the heat evaporates it
- Check water restrictions locally during periods of drought
- Inspect the irrigation system and move sprinklers as needed
These tips will help you improve the health of your grass, keep your lawn looking great year-round, and boost curb appeal.
Monadnock Home Inspections provides inspection services in southern New Hampshire. Contact us to schedule an appointment.