If you read last month’s blog post, you’ll remember that we talked about the proper way to water your lawn (who knew it required more than a simple turn of the spigot?); but your yard needs more than just a watering plan. This month, we’re going to give you our seven best lawn care tips.
Tip #1 – Fertilizing
Depending on the type of grass you have, you’ll want to fertilize it at certain times during the year. If you have bermuda grass, St. Augustine grass, centipede grass, bahia grass, or zoysia grass you have warm season grass which is happiest in the 70s (Fahrenheit) and should be fertilized in early summer. Find a fertilizer specifically for summer feedings and apply according to directions lest you accidentally burn your lawn from excess.
Cool season grasses include perennial Ryegrass, Kentucky Bluegrass, and fine and tall fescues. These shouldn’t be fertilized in the summer, but in spring and fall.
Tip #2 – Mowing
During the heat of the summer, it is important to not cut your grass too short. It ought to be tall enough (between 2 to 4 inches tall, depending on the type) to withstand heat by providing enough shade to keep the roots strong. Sharp mower blades will prevent tearing and shredding your grass. A sharp blade will last you about 10 hours of mowing time.
Tip #3 – Treating
No one likes all the bugs that come out in the warmer months, but not all of them ruin your lawn. Keeping a tight rein on the bugs that munch on your grass is super important. Find a preventative grub control and use as instructed.
Tip #4 – Weeding
Beginning your weeding chores quickly will get you a massive leg up in winning the weed wars throughout the summer. If you can kill the weeds before they get established and spread their seeds, you’ll have a much easier time keeping them under control. Be cautious about the types of herbicides you use as they may hurt your grass. Hand-pulling is the best method.
Tip #5 – Watering
Since you just got lots of detail in last month’s post about watering, we’ll keep this one short and sweet. Hot and dry weather sucks the moisture out of the ground which makes your grass wilt and struggle to grow. This weakness also leaves it vulnerable to being overrun by weeds and pests, so keeping your grass hydrated is highest priority.
Water once or twice a week, depending on your weather forecasts, until the soil is the perfect balance of “not too hard” and “not too soft”…. But just right.
Tip #6 – Feeding
If you fertilized your grass earlier in the year, you may want to consider another feeding mid-summer. Warm season grasses, especially, appreciates this extra care. You can talk over the health of your grass and get good advice at your local garden store about which kind of fertilizer would benefit your lawn mid-season or if it’s even necessary.
Tip #7 – Aerating
Depending on your region, you may need to ramp up your watering and mowing later in the summer because of more intense heat and perpetual dryness. You can also begin preparing for autumn by breaking up the soil, aeration, to allow your grass’ roots extra air and nutrients and water. All of this TLC gives it the ability to withstand all the stress that hot weather brings.
BONUS TIP #8 – Overseeding
If you notice that your grass isn’t as thick and luscious as you would like, you can buy some grass seed and supplement it in the patchy areas. Sowing seed over your existing grass will thicken your lawn and cause many envious and admiring glances from your neighbors. You’re welcome!
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