How to Protect Your Lawn During the Hot Summer Months

As the summer months approach, many of us worry about how to care for our lawns in the face of rising temperatures and increased exposure to the sun. This is especially true for those living in hot climates or regions that usually experience longer heat waves.  

Fortunately, there are plenty of steps you can take which will help keep your grass looking its best despite prolonged periods without rain or other sources of natural moisture.  

This blog post will offer tips on protecting your lawn that may be affected by extreme weather conditions over the warmer months. 

If you think you can’t handle all these tips, you can always rely on the help of professional lawn services

Water Less Often but Deeply 

In the hot, dry summer months, you may be tempted to keep your lawn constantly watered to keep it green. However, over-watering can do more harm than good! Instead of frequent light waterings, try lengthening the time between waterings, but when you do water, use more water and encourage deeper root growth.  

Deeply watered grass has a better chance of weathering the heat and drought that come with summer.  

It also means less work since you will water your lawn less often while still seeing healthy grass throughout the season! 

Use A Sharp Mower Blade 

Summertime is the perfect time to tackle those lawn renovations and trim the overgrown grass.  

To ensure that your yard looks gorgeous and well-manicured, it is vital to use a sharp mower blade.  

A dull blade will fail to cut the blades of grass effectively, resulting in a ragged or uneven look, or worse yet – potentially damaging your lawn.  

Furthermore, a sharp blade will reduce vibrations in the mower, which may cause harm to its parts, saving you the cost of typical repairs.  

Inventory the equipment you use for your summer lawn project, so you are ready when warm weather arrives! 

Do Not Fertilize 

During the summer months, fertilizing can harm your plants more than good. Fertilizers contain various nutrients and minerals, which can benefit your plants in moderation.  

However, if too much fertilizer is applied in the summer, it can potentially cause damage to roots from heat stress. This can lead to wilting of plants and an extreme reduction in blooms and leaves.  

To maximize growth during the summer, experts recommend that you water more frequently with lighter applications.  

As long as your soil is healthy, the nutrients and minerals should be sufficient for most healthy plantings without added fertilizer. 

Aerate the Soil 

Aerating the soil during summer is essential to keep your garden flourishing. The aeration process involves making small pockets of air on top of and beneath the soil, allowing better water absorption and nutrients to reach the roots.  

Additionally, it reduces compaction caused by heavy rain or walking on the soil, which can temporarily break down a plant’s root system.  

It can even help reduce weed growth since compacted soil provides a suitable environment for weed roots to thrive.  

Regular summer aeration is highly recommended to ensure healthy soil all year long!