When the scorching summer heat begins, lawns suffer, and even warm season grasses can need some TLC. Too much water can encourage fungal growth in the warm, stagnant climate. Too little water, and your lawn will go dormant.
Year round, grass needs one inch of water per week. However, the summer heat requires that a little more water be used to make sure you don’t lose water in evaporation. One way to do this is by watering more deeply but less frequently, so water can penetrate the soil and reach the roots of the grass. Use a rain gauge to make sure your lawn gets at least one inch water weekly. If your grass goes dormant, let it stay that way until the hot weather is over. It will just stress it out to try to water it and bring it back to a growing state.
Your mowing practices can also save your grass during hot summers because tall grass is more drought resistant. Three to four inches will provide good shade, and mulching will help in moisture retention.
Fertilizer is not necessary during summer months, so don’t fertilize in the hot weather. It will just stress and burn your grass blades. If your grass goes dormant, definitely don’t fertilize until it gets green again in the fall.
Time of day is an important consideration when watering during summer months. Nighttime watering will reduce evaporation, but the lawn will stay wet. This increases the chances for mildew and mold. The best time to water is in the early morning, so it doesn’t evaporate too quickly, but it also dries.
You may not be able to prevent your yard from becoming dormant in a very hot summer season. However, it is possible. If you pay careful attention to your watering, mowing, and fertilizing, you might be able to keep it green all summer long. In a worst case scenario, you can minimize the dormant period.
Remember the one-inch-per-week rule, and most lawns will survive the summer months, but you must make reasonable adjustments in extreme weather conditions. Helping your lawn with higher mowing heights and mulch can aid your watering schedule greatly. It is normal for grass to go dormant if it is exposed to harsh conditions for too long of a time period. You just don’t want to be the first brown lawn in the neighborhood.
Have questions about your lawn care?
Greenfeet Lawncare Provides Service to the Following Areas.
770-619-2929
North Fulton, East Cobb, Cherokee, Forsyth Counties - including Alpharetta, Canton, Cobb, Cumming, Dunwoody, Gwinnett, Johns Creek, Marietta, Milton, Roswell, Sandy Springs
