A lush green lawn can complete your curb appeal and make an enticing entrance to your home. However, hot summer months start to take a toll, and your grass may not be looking its best. Here are some tips to help keep it looking great all summer.

Watering

Water is the most important factor when caring for your lawn.

• Grass needs an inch of water a week to stay hydrated and prevent it from going dormant (turning brown); more if temperatures stay in the 90s.
• Use a rain gauge to help you conserve water, and measure how much water your lawn is receiving from rain and irrigation. If you don’t have a rain gauge, a tin can set in the grass can be used.
• Water deeply and thoroughly: about 10 minutes per zone with a sprinkler system
• Water early in the morning to prevent evaporation.
• Water 2-3 times per week (adjust according to your water gauge measurements)

Mowing

Regular mowing keeps your lawn healthy and looking its best.

• Raise your mower blade higher for the summer months. Longer grass is more drought-tolerant, grows longer roots, and helps prevent weeds. Grass should no shorter than 3 inches tall to keep it healthy.
• Mulch grass clippings back into the lawn. This helps hold moisture and add nutrients back to the soil.
• Mow regularly. Try to cut ⅓ of the grass height with each cut. If you find you’re cutting more off, mow more frequently. This prevents the clippings from smothering the grass.
• Keep the blade sharp. A dull blade will tear the grass, which causes stress on your lawn.

Weeding

• It is never too late to treat weeds in your lawn. Using a post-emergent weed killer now will prevent weeds from taking over next year.
• Treat in early morning or in the evening when temperatures are below 85 degrees. Make sure to always follow manufacturer’s directions.
• Hand pull weeds regularly to keep them from taking root and germinating.

Fertilizing

If you’re following a season-long lawn care program, water your lawn the day before you plan on fertilizing.

• Apply Step 3 in July and then stop fertilizing until early fall.
• Avoid applying fertilizer in extreme heat, as this can lead to brown spots.
• Avoid seeding until temperatures cool off.

Disease and Insect Control

Lawn fungus may start to pop up now. If you notice brown rings in your lawn you’ll want to treat it with a fungicide.

• Use a liquid fungicide for better control when applying.
• Treat affected areas only.
• Prevent the spread of fungus by keeping your grass hydrated and cutting it longer.

If you start to see patchy brown spots in your yard, grubs and Japense beetles may have taken up residence in your lawn.

• Mid-summer is when your lawn will start to show insect activity.
• Use a grub control to kill and prevent grubs for up to 4 months.
• Treat your lawn with an insecticide if you notice insect activity around your home and yard.

If you are unsure how to treat a disease or insect problem, bring in a sample and our Garden Pharmacist will diagnose the issue, and write you a plantscription for treatment.

For more information on caring for your lawn, ask an expert at any English Gardens location.