Spring is about building a healthy and lush lawn.
Summer is about endurance: Enduring the hot sun and temperatures, enduring less rain, enduring having the kids and pets and family and friends trampling on it for three months.
Just like winter, summer is a stressful time for your lawn. The difference, of course, is we are fine with ugly lawns in the winter, it’s acceptable. That’s not the case in summer.
While we understand the hot and dry season is tough on grass, we still want to look out on a Sunday morning and see a beautiful, green lawn.
So how do you do that? By understanding the most efficient way to handle the season and your grass.
Watering
Due to the rising temperatures, it’s important you help your lawn continue to grow by watering it 1 to 1 ½ inches each week – maybe more during extreme heat.
And water early in the morning, between 5 and 6 a.m. Watering early as opposed to night is important because it reduces evaporation and cuts down on fungal growth. Fungus is most active at night.
Water deeply but not as frequently, a couple times per week to help develop drought-tolerant roots.
Mowing
During the warm season, it’s recommended you cut the grass at a taller length because it’s more drought-resistant, the roots grow deeper and the taller grass even helps the earth by shading it and preventing weeds. Set your mower blade between 3-4 inches.
You should also always keep your mower blade sharp to prevent tearing the grass, and continue to mow regularly because it leads to a healthier lawn that isn’t smothered by longer clippings.
But some clippings aren’t a bad thing. Mulching the grass is also good because the clippings steadies moisture levels.
Fertilizing
You only need to fertilize a couple times each year, once in the spring and once in midsummer. Fertilizing more often leads to too much grown, which means more mowing and watering. Pick the right fertilizer for your lawn by speaking to a professional in your area who is familiar with the local soil and grass. There are so many turf builders and growers out there, the last thing you want is to pick the wrong one.
Keep your mower running smoothly
Don’t forget to keep your mower running at its best. Spring is normally the time when people are thinking about getting their mower running in top shape, but to have a great lawn your mower needs to be hitting on all cylinders at all times.
Check out our earlier blog on everything that needs checked and maintained so your mower is keeping your lawn in perfect shape.
And whether you need lawn mower maintenance, lawn care tools or even just have some questions on how to maintain a perfect summer lawn, the professionals at Snappy’s Outdoor Equipment offer everything you need. Call 419-879-1196 or stop by today at 2120 N. Dixie Highway in Lima. Or, join our MVP program.
