Lawn care methods and steps vary based on the type of lawn you have as well as the season. Consider also the impact that Northern Utah’s fickle climate can have on your lawn. Many yard care experts believe that nursing your lawn through the brutal weeks of summer’s peak, fondly known as the dog days of summer, is as much of an art as it is a science. Read on for some pro tips for helping your turf survive the upcoming heat wave.
Watering Rules
The summer season, particularly the hottest time, dictates specific rules for watering lawns. One crucial component of watering correctly is to always water in the morning, avoiding the heat of the day. The midday heat will reduce the effectiveness of watering, while nighttime watering invites pests and potentially harmful mold. When using a sprinkler system, a good rule of thumb is to water for approximately 20 minutes twice per week. Remember to account for rainfall if you use an automatic sprinkler timer for routine watering, so you do not over-water your lawn.
Some homeowners elect to forgo regular watering during the peak of summer’s heat, letting the turf go dormant and resuming care in the fall. Lawns are incredibly resilient and will bounce back from the summer season – with proper fertilization and watering, of course.
Mowing to Maintain
Mowing is the second critical aspect of lawn care during the summer months. For optimum health, the grass mustn’t be too high or too low. Short grass invites pests and makes it harder for the grass to maintain itself through photosynthesis. The late summer months require the highest grass heights, about 4 inches tall. Mowing in the beginning of the summer should produce grass heights of no fewer than 3 inches. This height will provide natural shade, decrease the number of weeds and reduce the amount of water needed to achieve and maintain lush, green grass.
Fungal and Bacterial Lawn Care Tips
Proper watering and mowing techniques will reduce your chances of fungal and bacterial issues in your lawn. However, eradicating these problems completely can sometimes require additional steps during the hottest times. First, make sure to avoid excessive watering, as this is a natural breeding ground for unhealthy bacteria. Second, consider bagging the clippings after mowing to reduce the chance of spreading any fungus. Finally, learn to recognize the difference between harmful fungus or bacteria and the beneficial varieties. Mushrooms, for example, may pop up from time to time, but are not harmful to the lawn.
While these are some general tips and tricks for lawn maintenance, a deeper level of knowledge and experience may be required to keep your yard green this summer. Effective lawn care can be daunting as well as time-consuming. In Northern Utah, contact All Green Pest Control & Lawn Care. All Green provides full-service lawn and pest control along the Wasatch Front, including Sandy, Lehi, Draper, Orem and Pleasant Grove. Contact them today for expert advice in summer lawn care and pest control.