Lawn Care - Summer Checklist

Lawn care is important in the summer. The high temperatures and lack of water can really do damage to your lawn. The only way to combat these factors is through proper lawn care.

Water
Probably the most important part of your lawn care during the summer is to water your yard. However, there is a little more to it than simply turning on the sprinkler. You must water at the right time and at the right amount. First of all, water in the early morning hours, preferably when the dew is still on the grass. It is the coolest then so less of the water evaporates and more actually reaches the grass. Also, watering once a week and giving your yard a deep soaking tends to be better than several light waterings a week. A deeper watering causes the roots of the grass to grow deeper than they can with lighter waterings. Watering too often also encourages crabgrass.

Mow
Summer lawn care definitely involves mowing the yard. However, this can also cause damage to your grass if you are not careful. Set your mower at a high setting. This benefits your summer grass in a couple of ways.  It encourages longer root growth, which can help your grass survive in the hot, dry environment of the summer months. Also, the longer grass makes it harder for water to evaporate, therefore making it easier for water to reach the roots.

Rake
Some of your grass inevitable dies throughout the summer.  Also, mowing causes grass clippings to fall on your yard. Proper lawn care includes raking up this dead grass, known as thatch. If the thatch is ½ inch thick, it can damage your lawn. Periodically make a hard raking part of your lawn care to help your grass to be in its best shape.

Fertilize
Although fertilizing may seem like an assumed part of lawn care, it may not necessarily be what is best for your lawn. The nitrogen in the fertilizer can combine with the summer heat to burn your grass. Look for a slow-release fertilizer that has a lower nitrogen content. This kind of fertilizer is better for your summer lawn care.  Another option is to simply not fertilize during the hotter months. Then, you are not encouraging new growth which will take up more water. 

Yards can be delicate in the harsh weather of the summer so be diligent in your summer lawn care to help your lawn to make it through summer in good shape.