During summer, it can be difficult to keep your lawn looking great. Grass gets stressed when the sun beats down on it day after day. However, there are specific measures to take that will help you maintain a healthy lawn.
Maintain a Healthy Lawn With Smart Watering Habits
Watering the lawn properly is one of the most important ways to keep a healthy lawn. The grass will typically become brown during periods of infrequent rainfall. It does this to conserve energy and prepare for drought conditions. Soaking the grass during these dry periods helps maintain a healthy lawn.
Prevent dormancy by watering the yard periodically. Doing this encourages the grass to grow deeper roots that retain moisture during hot weather. Use an irregular watering pattern that mimics rainfall. Apply about one inch of water three to four times per week.
Water in the Morning
Water the yard between 6 AM and 10 AM. Afternoon watering only results in evaporation. The soil can’t absorb all the water during these times. Morning watering helps to maintain a healthy lawn and save water.
Maintain a Healthy Lawn: Watch Where Water Goes
When you water the lawn, make sure the water isn’t going into the street or driveway. If you see too much runoff or puddles forming, then turn the water off and allow the grass to soak up the excess water. Wait 15 to 20 minutes and try again. Check your sprinklers and adjust any heads that are spraying water onto the pavement.
Don’t Water the Grass in the Rain
Turn off automatic sprinklers when it rains. This might seem obvious, but it’s easy to forget and waste money and water during these periods. Stay flexible with your watering schedule and turn everything off when rain is in the forecast.
Maintain Longer Grass
Taller grass grows longer roots. This helps the grass stay healthy, especially on hotter days when your grass needs as much moisture as possible. Mowing grass too short causes the lawn to be scorched by the sun. Avoid this scenario by raising your lawn mower blades a notch or two.
Fertilize Your Lawn to Maintain a Healthy Lawn
Feed your lawn so that it stays as healthy as possible. Slow-release fertilizer is the best food to use. It keeps the turf from burning while providing the correct amount of nutrients. Feed the lawn in the spring, before it gets too hot.
Get Rid of Weeds
Pay attention to weeds and get rid of them immediately. It’s always best to pull weeds out individually as opposed to applying weed killer to the entire yard. If you have a larger area to treat, then apply weed killer to that one section only.
Maintain a Healthy Lawn by Aerating
Use a garden fork to aerate the lawn so that it can absorb water more effectively. Push the garden fork into the ground at one-foot intervals.
Avoid Wear and Tear
Too much traffic on the lawn will cause it to undergo stress. Workers, children, vehicles, or animals can cause wear and tear. If you do notice wear and tear, then avoid walking on any damaged areas until they can recover.
Follow these tips and you’ll easily maintain a healthy lawn.
Eagle 1 Home Inspection Services serves San Bernardino County and Riverside County with home inspection services. Contact us to schedule an appointment.