Do you want to have a great-looking summer lawn this year?
Between going to the beach and other summertime activities, it’s easy to neglect your lawn during the summer months.
Hot and humid summers in North Carolina can cause heat stress and disease, especially among cool season grasses like Tall Fescue or Kentucky Bluegrass.
Taking care of your lawn now is the best way to make sure your yard looks great and healthy for the summer.
Here are five ways you can prepare your lawn for the summer so you can enjoy the outdoors around your property.
5 Simple Steps For A Great Summer Lawn
1. Mow Your Lawn Frequently
Frequent mowing, especially during the spring, is one of the best ways to prepare your lawn for the hot summer months.
It’s best to cut warm and cool season grasses shorter than normal in the spring.
The height range for Bermuda grass in North Carolina is between 1 to 3 inches depending on location, how often you fertilize, and other variables.
The height range for Tall Fescue and Kentucky Bluegrass is between 2.5 and 4.25 inches.
In the Greater Triangle Area, Zoysia grass can be maintained anywhere from 1.4 up to 4 inches depending on fertilization, watering, and other variables.
In the summer heat, it’s best to allow cool season grasses such as Tall Fescue or Kentucky Bluegrass to grow a little taller.
You will want to mow your lawn during the spring and early summer every 4 to 7 days.
During the heat of the summer, you may only need to mow every 7 to 10 days to allow grass to maintain a healthy length.
2. Fertilize Your Lawn
Your lawn will need lots of nutrients to make it through the heat of the summer.
A healthy, green summer lawn needs to be fertilized well before summer arrives.
Fertilizing your lawn before the summer with a slow release fertilizer can help to make it more heat resistant and drought resistant.
Applying fertilizer in the summer heat can damage lawns and run the risk of burning your grass.
3. Treat Your Lawn For Weeds
Weeds that appear in the heat of the summer are some of the toughest to control.
By the time summer arrives, they have already established a strong root system and are hard to get rid of.
The best time to control weeds is in the winter through late spring.
Spot treating weeds with a selective herbicide for broadleaf weeds can be very effective.
Here are a few recommendations if you want to do it yourself. (Amazon affiliate links.)
Scotts Liquid Turf Builder with Plus 2 Weed Control
Spectracide Weed Stop for Lawns
4. Water Your Lawn Weekly
The easiest way to prepare for a great summer lawn is to ensure your yard gets at least one inch of water every week.
I suggest between 1.25 and 2 inches of water each week.
Rainfall can vary in North Carolina from week to week, so be sure to track the precipitation levels in your area to ensure your lawn is getting enough water.
5. Aerate Warm Season Grass Lawns
The best time to aerate warm season grass lawns such as Bermuda and Zoysia is late spring and early summer between May and July when the grass grows rapidly.
Aeration relieves soil compaction and allows air to reach the roots of your lawn. It also increases water uptake and nutrient absorption.
Practicing these five simple steps will ensure you have a great looking summer lawn this year.
If you have questions about how to best care for your lawn or would like to request a service, please get in touch with us to learn more.