The transition from cooler spring weather to hot summer weather has been a quick change over this year. This leads to extra stress on the lawn.  There are a few things home owners can do and should know about their lawns as the heat of summer gets into high gear.

Mowing:

Mowing height adjustment is probably the most important practice to prepare lawns for hot weather. Mow at heights of at least 2½ to 3 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 as a yard cut with a very sharp blade.

Watering:

Most lawns in our area consist of cool-season grasses such as Kentucky bluegrass, perennial rye grass, and fine fescue. These grasses naturally slow down their growing patterns as the temperatures head into the nineties. 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 1½ 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 in appearance.

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.