When the summer heat settles in, your yard requires special attention because much of the grass in our region is cool season: primarily tall fescue and Kentucky bluegrass.
During the summer, these grasses become weaker, and their ability to recover from stresses like improper mowing or heavy foot traffic can reduce their ability to recover in the fall.
Virginia Green experts recommend these four ways to keep your lawn in good shape throughout the warmer months:
- Water early and frequently. Water between the hours of 4-7 a.m., two to three times a week, for a total of 1.5 inches of water per week. This will help ensure the water is absorbed deeper in the soil before the heat can evaporate it. Watering at night can cause the water to stick to the grass blades too long, which can lead to fungal growth.
- Mow appropriately. Keep your grass tall enough to shade the soil, and never mow more than a third of the grass blade at a time, as this can shock the grass. For tall fescue lawns, the ideal mowing height is 3.5–4 inches. Keep your lawnmower blades sharp to prevent any tearing of the grass blades and reduce stress on the lawn. Vary your mowing pattern to reduce compacting the soil, allowing grass roots to grow deeper.
- Do not fertilize. Cool season grasses should not be fertilized during the summer.
- Watch for insects and diseases. Summer lawns that grow dormant or experience drought stress tend to be more vulnerable to insect infestations and diseases.
Virginia Green experts said when they care for your lawn, they are also always on the lookout for any pests or diseases that could impact the health of your lawn.
The state-certified experts said they can provide the right products at the right times, which will set up your lawn for success year-round.
For more information about how to ensure the health of your lawn this summer, or to schedule a consultation, click or tap here.