#1 – Water Wisely.
Proper watering is crucial for a healthy lawn, especially in summer. But it’s not only about how much you water, it’s also about when. Watering your lawn early in the morning is the most efficient practice. This time allows water to seep deep into the soil and be absorbed by the grass roots before it can evaporate in the heat.
Avoid watering in the middle of the day or in the evening, as this can either lead to quick evaporation or cause your grass to stay damp overnight, potentially encouraging disease. Exceptions to this would be in special circumstances like when seeding or renovating a lawn.
Keeping track of how much water your lawn is receiving is essential. We recommend using a rain gauge, which can help you ensure your lawn is getting the 1-1.5 inches of water per week it needs to stay healthy. Here’s a link to the rain gauge we recommend on Amazon.
Remember, water wisely, and let your lawn thrive this summer. Get your rain gauge today and take the guesswork out of watering!
#2 – Mow at the Right Height.
Mowing is more than just a routine; it’s a strategic practice that can impact the health and appearance of your lawn. Especially during the summer months, the height at which you mow your grass can make a significant difference in its overall well-being.
In the summer heat, it’s advisable to raise the height of your mower blade. Why is this beneficial? The reason is two-fold: moisture preservation and weed suppression.
By allowing your grass to grow taller, you create a natural shade over the soil. This shade reduces the amount of water lost to evaporation from the sunlight, keeping the soil moist for longer and aiding the grass roots to absorb the necessary water. It’s a simple adjustment that can significantly improve your lawn’s resistance to the drying effects of summer.
In addition to moisture preservation, taller grass is also an excellent natural weed suppressant. When grass grows high, it can outcompete weeds for sunlight, essentially shading them out and making it harder for them to grow. This is a natural, chemical-free way to discourage weed growth and maintain the aesthetic appeal of your lawn.
So, what’s the optimal height? We recommend mowing as high as your mower will allow or up to 5 inches. This height can vary depending on the type of grass you have, but it’s a good general rule for most lawns during the hot summer months.
Remember, mowing isn’t just about maintaining a neat appearance; it’s an important element in preserving your lawn’s health and vitality during the summer. Raise your mower blade this season and watch your lawn thrive!
#3 – Sharpen Your Mower Blades.
Keeping your lawn in peak condition goes beyond watering and mowing practices – it extends to the condition of the tools you use. One aspect often overlooked in lawn care is the sharpness of your mower blades. Dull blades can be a silent saboteur of your otherwise perfect lawn maintenance regimen.
Dull mower blades rip and tear the grass, rather than providing a clean, efficient cut. This tearing causes the grass to have a ragged edge, which can turn the lawn a grayish-brown color. The frayed grass blades also lose more water than cleanly cut blades, stressing your lawn and making it more susceptible to disease.
To ensure you’re giving your grass the best cut, regularly check your mower blades for sharpness. Sharp blades create clean cuts that keep your grass healthier and more resilient, especially during the summer when the heat can already be stressing your lawn.
We recommend having both high lift and mulching blades on hand for your mower. High lift blades are perfect for tackling tall, dense grass, while mulching blades cut and re-cut grass clippings into tiny pieces that can be left on the lawn to decompose and return nutrients to the soil. You can find high quality mower blades on Amazon here.
For sharpening your mower blades, we recommend the DeWalt Angle Grinder and a suitable grinding wheel. The DeWalt Angle Grinder is an exceptional tool, perfect for restoring the sharp edge to your mower blades. It’s robust, easy to use, and ensures a fine sharpness that your lawn will thank you for. Check it out here.
A well-maintained lawn begins with well-maintained tools. Keep your mower blades sharp and enjoy a greener, healthier lawn this summer.
#4 – Fertilize Thoughtfully.
Nourishing your lawn with the right type of fertilizer during summer can greatly enhance its health and vibrancy. While fertilization is key to achieving that lush, green lawn we all desire, it’s important to choose the right product for the season.
During the heat of the summer, it’s crucial to use a fertilizer specifically designed for this time of year. These summer-formulated fertilizers are carefully balanced to provide your lawn with the necessary nutrients without overwhelming it. Using a product with too much nitrogen, for example, can potentially stress your lawn, especially in extreme heat conditions.
Organic fertilizers are a wonderful choice for your lawn in the summer. They slowly release nutrients into the soil, lessening the chance of ‘burning’ your grass and offering a prolonged feeding. They also help improve the soil structure and promote the growth of beneficial microorganisms, which contributes to overall lawn health.
Here are a couple of summer fertilizers available on Amazon that we recommend. Both options are designed specifically for the unique demands of summer lawn care:
A well-fertilized lawn is more resilient, lush, and better able to withstand the stress of summer heat. Make the thoughtful choice this summer and nourish your lawn with the right fertilizer. You’ll be rewarded with a vibrant, green lawn that’s the envy of the neighborhood.
#5 – Prevent Pests.
Maintaining a beautiful lawn during the summer doesn’t only involve watering, mowing, and fertilizing practices. It also includes being vigilant about potential pests that can wreak havoc on your green oasis.
Grubs, the larvae of various types of beetles, can pose a significant threat to lawns during the summer. They feed on the roots of grass, causing large, irregular brown patches. Left untreated, a grub infestation can destroy a lawn quickly. It’s important to monitor your lawn regularly and treat it at the first signs of grub damage.
Another common summer lawn problem is Brown Patch, a lawn disease caused by a fungus known as Rhizoctonia. It appears as irregularly shaped patches of brown, dead grass and can spread rapidly in warm, humid conditions.
Fortunately, there are effective products available to combat these issues:
- For grubs, we recommend Product Name for Grubs. This product is highly effective in eliminating grubs and preventing future infestations.
- To tackle Brown Patch, consider Product Name for Brown Patch. It’s designed to stop the disease in its tracks and prevent it from spreading further.
Guarding your lawn against pests and diseases is a vital part of summer lawn care. By staying vigilant and acting quickly, you can ensure your lawn stays lush, green, and healthy all summer long. Don’t let pests spoil your summer; take action today!
In addition to taking care of your lawn, it’s essential to also take care of yourself.
In the midst of all the lawn care tasks this summer, don’t forget the most important thing: taking care of yourself. Tending to your lawn often means spending extended periods outdoors, and this requires a few essential self-care practices.
First and foremost, remember to lather up with sunscreen before heading out. Sunscreen is a non-negotiable when you’re working under the sun. The harmful UV rays can cause damage to your skin, but this can be prevented with proper sun protection. We recommend this sunscreen available on Amazon. It’s sweat-resistant, perfect for outdoor activities, and provides broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays.
Hydration is another critical aspect of self-care, especially in the heat of summer. Sweating can cause you to lose fluids rapidly, which can lead to dehydration if not replaced. Drinking water throughout the day replenishes these lost fluids, helping you stay energetic, focused, and healthy.
To help you remember to hydrate, we recommend using a motivational water bottle. These bottles feature time markers and motivational quotes to remind you to drink water throughout the day. They’re a fun and practical way to ensure you’re getting enough water. Here’s a link to a great one available on Amazon.
In your quest for a vibrant, green lawn this summer, remember that your health is equally important. Stay protected with sunscreen and hydrated with plenty of water. After all, a well-cared-for lawn starts with a well-cared-for you!
If you’re planning to swim, whether it’s in a pool, a lake, or the ocean, make sure you have a buddy with you. It’s always safer and more fun to swim with company.
If you’re in the Charlotte area or within an hour or two’s drive, definitely consider taking a trip to the U.S. National Whitewater Center here in Charlotte, NC. The center is an outdoor recreational and athletic training facility for whitewater rafting, kayaking, canoeing, rock climbing, mountain biking, and hiking.
With over 1,300 acres of woodlands, it provides a unique and extensive array of outdoor activities for all experience levels. Not only can you experience the thrill of conquering rapids, but you can also enjoy leisurely activities such as walking trails, dining, and live music events.
It’s a wonderful destination that embodies the spirit of outdoor adventure and an active lifestyle, offering something for everyone. Take a break from your routine, soak up the summer sun, and embrace the adventurous side of Charlotte!
At Clean Cut Landscaping, we’re committed to helping you maintain a beautiful, healthy lawn throughout the summer. Enjoy the longest days of the year, and let your lawn shine in all its summer glory!
Stay safe, stay hydrated, and enjoy your summer!
-The Clean Cut Landscaping Team
