Lawn Care Essentials for a Healthy Summer Yard
Summer is here, which means more cookouts, backyard games and spending long days outside. As much fun as summer brings, it also means that your lawn is working overtime, which means it needs more attention. A healthy lawn doesn't just look good; it also makes your property more inviting.
Here are a few simple tips you can do this summer to help your yard stay green, full and healthy.
1. Don't cut it too short
This may be tempting, as it means you won't have to cut the lawn as often. However, shorter grass will burn out faster in the heat, causing it to dry out, turn brown and invite more weeds.
Instead, it's best to keep your grass around 3 inches tall to help shade the soil, retain moisture and protect against heat damage. It's also essential to ensure that your mower blades are sharp because dull blades will tear the grass instead of giving it a clean cut.
2. Water deeply and early
When it comes to watering, timing and technique are important. It's best to water deeply a couple of times a week than to sprinkle it every day. This allows the roots to grow deeper, making your grass more drought-resistant.
Watering your lawn in the early morning before the sun is high and the temperature rises is best because this way less water will evaporate and more will make its way down to the roots. If your lawn looks dull or your footprint sticks around after you walk across it, that means your lawn is thirsty.
3. Use slow-release fertilizer
Like the rest of your landscape, your lawn needs food. Slow-release fertilizers deliver nutrients over time, allowing your grass to get what it needs to stay strong without overwhelming it.
Fertilizing in hot weather requires a careful approach. Overdoing it or using the wrong product can cause more harm than good.
4. Spot treat weeds before they spread
Weeds such as crabgrass and clover enjoy the summer heat. Once they start growing, they can be tough to stop. This is why spot treatment is crucial in preventing your yard from being overrun with weeds. We also recommend maintaining regular mowing and fertilizing to keep your grass healthy.
5. Watch for grubs and insects
If you notice brown patches, wilting or parts of your lawn lifting, you may have a pest problem. Grubs and chinch bugs are common pests that can cause significant damage to your lawn quickly. It's essential to act promptly when you begin to notice this. There are effective treatments, but timing is everything to ensure they don't do too much damage.
6. Aerate and overseed in late summer
Once the hottest part of summer is behind us, it's a great time to give your lawn a fresh start. Aerating loosens compacted soil, allowing water and nutrients to reach the roots.
It's essential to follow up with overseeding to fill in any bare or thinning spots, giving new grass a chance to grow in before fall. This helps the grass grow greener and thicker for the following spring.
7. Keep edges tidy and mulch fresh
Neatly edged walkways, colorful flowers in the flower beds and tree rings help make your entire landscape look more polished. Mulch is also great to make your landscape look sharp, as well as ensuring your plants retain moisture and block weeds.
One thing to keep in mind is not to pile the mulch too high, especially around trees, because it can smother the roots and prevent them from growing properly.
8. Know when to call the pros
There is a lot of landscaping work that can be done on your own, but sometimes battling weeds, guessing on fertilizers or dealing with patchy spots that won't fill in requires help. Calling a professional doesn't mean you don't know what you're doing. It simply means that the task requires some extra assistance to help you do what's best for your lawn.
Conclusion
A healthy lawn isn't just aesthetically pleasing; it adds value to your home and makes your outdoor space more enjoyable to host all summer long, or simply lounge around in.
Whether you need a one-time treatment or just some regular maintenance, DiPietro Landscaping is ready to help you with whatever you need.