What you need to know and do for your lawn.

The transition from cooler spring weather to hot weather has led to extra stress on our lawns. Here are some tips to assure your lawn is healthy during these hot days.

Mowing:
Mowing height adjustment is probably the most important practice to prepare lawns for hot weather. Mow at heights at least two and a half to three inches. If in doubt, set the mower as high as it will go. Lawns maintained at higher heights usually develop deeper roots and dry out more slowly than closely mowed turf. Lawn growth will slow as the weather gets drier and hotter.

Keeping blades sharp will allow the tips of the grass to heal more rapidly and prevent moisture loss and stress. A lawn cut with a dull blade will lose almost double the water of a yard cut with a very sharp blade.

Watering:
Most lawns in our area consist of cool-season lawn grasses such as Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, and fine fescue. These grasses naturally slow down their growing patterns as the temperatures head into the 90’s. A yard that is not properly watered may go dormant in the heat of summer. If something happens (such as a watering issue while on vacation) and the lawn goes dormant, let it stay dormant until cooler weather returns. Do not allow lawns to turn brown and then water them back to a green condition over and over, as this depletes energy reserves and stresses the plant.

Water lawns deeply, applying about 1 to 1-1/2 inches per application, depending on site variables. Water early in the day or during the evening, but while the sun is still up if at all possible.

Please note, a dormant yard during the summer is a prime target for insects and fungi. The more stress a yard is under – the easier it is for pests to get established and do damage before anyone notices, since a dormant yard is already brown.

Mountain High’s Lawn Department is always available to help with lawn care needs and we are strongly recommending Revive treatments as the drought situation continues.