How to Keep a Lawn Green in the Summer Heat

A bright, lush and soft green lawn is a perfect complement for our house. It can enhance our enjoyment of outdoor living space especially in the summer. During summer can make your lawn green turn an unattractive shade of brown on lawn. Then how do you keep your lawn green in the summer heat? Here are some tips to help you maintain a green lawn during summer heat.

1. Water deeply and infrequently

Water your lawn deeply but less frequently to encourage deep root growth. This helps the grass tolerate heat and drought better. Watering deeply promotes stronger, healthier roots. Aim for about 1 inch of water per week, including rainfall. Water in the early morning or late afternoon to minimize evaporation.

2. Adjust your mowing height

Raise your lawnmower blades to a higher setting during hot weather. Taller grass shades the soil, reducing evaporation and providing some insulation to the roots. It also helps the grass maintain moisture and reduces stress caused by heat.

3. Follow proper mowing practices

Avoid mowing when the grass is under heat stress or during the hottest part of the day. Keep your lawnmower blades sharp to ensure clean cuts, which minimize stress on the grass. Never remove more than one-third of the grass height in a single mowing. For bests the mowing schedule usually is twice per week. Nevertheless, be careful not to leave the clippings where the lawn is too thick, as it could lead to the formation of moulds, especially as you are still watering it. Rake up the clippings, mow over them again to make them finer, and spread them over your lawn.

4. Provide adequate nutrition

Apply a slow-release, high-quality fertilizer designed for your grass type. Fertilizing provides the necessary nutrients to support healthy growth and resilience during hot weather. Follow the recommended application rates and timing specific to your region and grass type.

5. Manage thatch and soil compaction

Aerating your lawn allows air, water, and nutrients to reach the roots, promoting a healthier lawn. If your lawn has a thatch layer more than 1/2 inch thick, consider dethatching to improve water and nutrient penetration. Reducing soil compaction by aerating also helps the grass roots access air and nutrients.

6. Use proper grass species and cultivars

Select grass species and cultivars that are well-suited to your climate and can tolerate heat and drought. Warm-season grasses like Bermuda grass, Zoysia grass, or Buffalo grass are more heat-tolerant, while cool-season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass or tall fescue may require more water and struggle in hot weather.

7. Provide shade and reduce heat stress

If possible, provide temporary shade to areas of the lawn that receive intense sunlight during the hottest part of the day. This can be achieved using shade cloths, umbrellas, or strategically placed temporary structures.

8. Avoid excessive foot traffic

Limit foot traffic on the lawn during hot weather, as it can cause additional stress and compaction. Redirect foot traffic or create designated paths to protect vulnerable areas.

9. Weed and pest control

Remove weeds promptly, as they compete with the grass for water and nutrients. You can do this by pulling them manually or using a weeding fork. Besides, pulling out weeds as soon as they germinate requires minimal effort than pulling out already established plants. The use of a herbicide should be the last resort. Keep an eye out for pests and take appropriate measures to control them, as stressed lawns are more susceptible to damage.
Moreover, insects such as chafer grubs and leather jackets are the most common cause of bald patches on your lawn during the summer. According to Anco-Turf Lawn Solution, the simplest and most cost-effective way of taking care of pests is buying nematodes, which are tiny and whose natural habitat is the soil. Increasing the population of nematodes enables you to eliminate pests within your lawn without necessarily adding chemicals. Simply follow the instructions on the package and reseed your lawn where necessary.

10. Practice proper lawn maintenance

Regularly remove debris, such as leaves and twigs, which can block sunlight and airflow to the grass. Clean up any pet waste promptly to prevent damage to the grass.

By following these tips, you can help your lawn stay green and healthy during the summer heat. Remember, different regions and grass types may have specific requirements, so adjust your lawn care practices accordingly. For the professional lawn care, you can contact us.