The summer months bring relentless heat, making it essential that you stay hydrated if you have to be outside any length of time. But humans aren’t the only ones who suffer when temperatures reach 100 degrees. Your lawn also needs some protection.
If your yard has started to turn an unattractive brown color in patches, don’t worry. When things cool down a little, the green will return. In the meantime, there are a few things you can do to keep your lawn healthy throughout the hottest months of the year.
Cut on the Highest Setting
The long blades of grass that seem like a nuisance actually protect your grass. By keeping your grass a little longer, you’re providing a little shade for soil beneath each blade, helping reduce the temperature while also preventing water from evaporating. For best results, put your mower on the highest setting and try to keep your grass no shorter than three inches during the summer months.
Just Add Water
Watering your lawn takes extra work unless you’re lucky enough to have a sprinkler system installed. But when some time passes between rainy days, you’ll probably need to give Mother Nature a little hand. When the weather heats up, it’s best to water early in the day to give the moisture time to slowly evaporate. Watering after the sun is bearing down on your lawn can also increase the stress your grass is enduring.
Don’t Forget Your Trees
Your grass isn’t the only part of your lawn that suffers during a heatwave. Trees and shrubs can also struggle. As with your grass, an occasional early morning watering can help the things that grow in your yard. Mulching around the tree to insulate the soil can also lower the ground temperature a little to reduce some of the strain.
Stay Off the Grass
Yes, your lawn can be a great spot for summertime activities, especially if there are little ones in your life. Don’t let it get in the way of having fun but, if possible, try to minimize the amount of foot traffic on your lawn. Stepping on dry grass can cause long-term damage.
The lawn maintenance experts at Great American Landscapes work hard to make sure D.C.-area lawns thrive. We can ensure your lawn remains healthy throughout each of the four seasons. Contact us at (301) 972-5681 to speak to one of our landscaping experts about how we can help you.
