Summer time means many different things to everyone. For some that may be enjoying the warm sunshine and relaxing on a lake, for others it opens up the opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors. But for just about every homeowner, it also means making sure your yard looks its best.
During the summer, lawn care efforts shift from preparing your grass to keeping it looking great through the hot and potentially dry summer months.
Tips To Keep Your Lawn Lush Through The Summer
Here are some tips for keeping your lawn looking its best during those dog days of summer.
Understand Your Grass Types
We tend to be merciless when it comes to our summer lawns. We want green, lush grasses that continue to grow long into the hot summer season. However, in Ohio there are only a handful of grasses that grow well in this weather. Knowing what kind of grass you have and how to care for it makes all the difference.
Kentucky Bluegrass is the most common type of grass in Central and Northeast Ohio, mostly seen in athletic fields or expansive backyards. This type of grass is a slow grower and can take longer to establish when seeding your lawn. This type of grass does not do well in heavy shade, and will quickly turn brown in the hot summer sun if not watered regularly.
Perennial Ryegrass is another common type of grass in Ohio, including varieties like Achiever, Spellbound, Top Gun, Stardance and Pizzazz. It establishes faster than Kentucky Bluegrass, so this is a great grass seed if you’re starting from scratch. It is also an attractive choice as it sprouts a vibrant bright green in early summer and then gradually deepens. This type of grass is more drought-resistant than Kentucky Bluegrass, but it is easily and quickly killed off by cold, harsh winters.
Strategic Watering
When it comes to watering, a longer duration that’s less frequent (usually every other day) works best for the water to reach deep into the soil so the roots have ample water.
Proper Mowing Protocol
Proper mowing techniques can help promote grass growth and allow your lawn to flourish. Consider raising your mower deck to at least 3.25″ during the hot summer months. Taller grass is more drought-tolerant, grows deeper roots, and a since more robust lawn is the best defense method for weed control, your grass can truly thrive.
Combat Pests and Weeds
Pests come in many different forms in your lawn. Pests can be weeds, insects, or diseases, all of which are treated with different products like insecticides, herbicides, and fungicides. Although the best pesticides, found naturally in healthy soil, are microorganisms and natural nutrients, there are products that will combat those pests without harming your lawn or the health of your family. Organic pesticides are the best and safest option because many traditional chemicals applied on a lawn in the heat of the summer can damage or even kill the grass.
No matter what your summer plans may include, Greener Grass Organic Lawn & Pest can assist you in developing a lawn regimen that will strengthen your lawn. Contact us today to get started.