7 Tips for Maintaining a Healthy Summer Lawn

As we move into summer, all the practices of spring and the cooler months become null and void. It can be challenging to suddenly transition into a period of scorching heat and increased foot traffic on the lawn. But there’s no secret that maintaining a healthy lawn is time-consuming and, at times, overwhelming for the busy homeowner. Worry not! A healthy summer lawn is just seven steps away, featured in this blog. Divine Lawns is the perfect resource for more tips on landscaping and beautifying your home's exterior. Our blog features lawn care tips, from mulching to more lawn maintenance. Get your lawns summer ready with these essential tips!

#1 Regular Mowing

Trim makes a huge difference. Regular, consistent mowing is the backbone of a healthy, thriving lawn. Adjust your mower blades appropriately to a height that leaves the grass taller. Grass cut too short during the summer will result in harmful effects such as the lawn being exposed to too much sun and other stresses on the landscape. Remove up to one-third of the grass blade length during every mowing session to provide better insulation and shading for the soil.

#2 Weed Control

Checking for early weed detection before summer officially starts is a good way to get ahead on the occurrences of your lawns, as different types of weeds can plague your landscape. Weeds compete with other plants and your grass for nutrients, so adopting a regular weed control schedule is important for summer. Spraying weeds during this time of year may lose effectiveness as it may only kill weed leaves instead of the roots. If you begin to use herbicide yourself, always read the directions and labels to ensure proper usage while protecting your lawn’s health. If you find the weeds in your lawn too unruly or your preventative measures are not successful, professional weed control services may be the best choice for you down the line.

#3 The Do’s and Dont's of Fertilizer

While fertilization is an important step in any lawn, it should only be applied sparingly. If you have not yet applied fertilizer to your lawn in a couple of months or not yet in the year, early summer is a great time to begin. Choosing a slow-release fertilizer is also recommended, as the nutrients spread over an extended period. Again, be diligent when reading instructions to avoid overdoing it, as this could harm your lawn. Well-fed lawns will strengthen to withstand the heat and stresses of summer. For any questions or concerns about properly feeding your lawn, our experts at Divine Lawns are experienced in tending to this semi-annual service.

#4 Watering

The healthiest grass comes from proper watering, which is crucial for the year's hottest days. Watering deeply and infrequently will encourage deep root growth within the soil. Water early in the morning before the sun comes out for the best results, as the sun's intensity won't dry out the water immediately and will dry by the evening. The type of soil you have and the climate you live in will also dictate the amount of water necessary for a healthy lawn. If you need help keeping up with manual watering, look into an irrigation system for automatic watering.

#5 Pest and Disease Control

Summer brings out the worst in lawn pests, from grubs to chinch bugs; pests and diseases can run ramped and destroy the livelihood of your grass and soil. Regular lawn inspection is recommended, as you should inspect for discolored (yellow or brown) patches in the grass, insect activity, or unusual growth. In early and mid-summer, these bugs can begin to lay eggs in the soil, which hatch shortly after. Effectively treat the landscape with pest management or control and check out Integrated Pest Management (IPM) techniques.

#6 Aeration

Enhance the oxygen circulation for your soil with aeration services. Aeration breaks up compacted soil, allowing better water and nutrient absorption. By perforating smaller holes into the hard soil, you can improve the health of the soil and its roots. We recommend professional services for aeration needs to penetrate the soil properly. Aerate your lawn every year or twice if needed.

Why Should You Keep Up With Your Lawn?

Lawns are a serious investment for homeowners, especially if they plan on selling their property. While the home's interior is a major selling point, a well-put-together, healthy lawn/backyard adds beauty and value. Improve the environment around you and increase your quality of life as a lawn provides an open space for family and friend activities or relaxation.

A Healthy Lawn Starts With You

Experience the Divine Lawns difference while our expert team manages your lawn maintenance. Sit back and enjoy your summer without the hassle.