Preparing Your Lawn for the Summer Heat: How to Keep Your Lawn Cool
As temperatures rise, summer heat can take a toll on your lawn. Prolonged periods of high temperatures, humidity, and dryness can stress your grass, leaving it vulnerable to diseases, pests, and unsightly brown patches. The key to a lush and healthy lawn through the hot months is proper preparation. Here’s how to get your lawn ready for the summer heat.
1. Mow at the Right Height
Mowing too short in the summer months can cause your lawn to become stressed, making it more vulnerable to heat damage and diseases. Leaving your grass slightly taller helps shade the soil, reduces water evaporation, and promotes deeper root growth. Set your mower blade to a higher setting—about 2.5 to 3 inches. This will protect your grass from the sun and help keep it cooler.
2. Water Deeply, But Not Too Often
During the summer heat, it’s essential to water your lawn correctly to keep it hydrated. Shallow watering can encourage shallow root systems, which makes your grass more susceptible to drought stress. Instead, water deeply to encourage roots to grow deeper into the soil. Water your lawn early in the morning to reduce evaporation. Aim for 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week. If your lawn starts to show signs of heat stress (such as wilting or turning brown), increase watering to compensate. Be careful to avoid over-watering, which can lead to fungal diseases.
3. Aerate Your Lawn
Soil compaction is common due to foot traffic, heavy rainfall, and the hot, humid climate. Compacted soil limits water absorption, air circulation, and root development, making it harder for your lawn to cope with the summer heat. Aerating your lawn helps alleviate compaction and allows your lawn’s roots to breathe and absorb moisture more efficiently.
4. Mulch to Conserve Moisture
While grass generally doesn’t need mulch, using it in garden beds and around trees or shrubs can help keep the surrounding soil cooler, retain moisture, and suppress weeds. This allows your lawn to focus on growth rather than battling moisture loss. Apply a 2- to 4-inch layer of mulch around trees and in flower beds to help keep the surrounding areas cooler and maintain moisture levels in the soil.
5. Fertilize Appropriately
Over-fertilizing during the summer can cause your lawn to grow too fast, which leads to additional stress during the heat. However, your lawn still needs nutrients to remain strong and healthy. Hire a professional lawn service (like us) to help you with this step. We’re experts on keeping your lawn healthy and green.
6. Keep an Eye on Lawn Pests
Lawn pests, such as grubs, ants, and chinch bugs, can be more prevalent during the hot months. These pests damage your lawn by feeding on the roots or creating stress that makes it harder for grass to survive. Monitor your lawn for signs of pest activity, such as brown patches or unusual insect sightings. If you notice a pest problem, call us immediately and we’ll help you sort it out.
The summer heat can be intense, but with the right preparation, your lawn can thrive even during the hottest months. Take action in the spring to ensure that your lawn is ready for the heat, and enjoy a vibrant, healthy lawn throughout the year!
