Summer in the South means warm nights, bright days and kids playing in the yard. When you envision the scene, is your lawn green, soft and lush? Or is it crunchy, brown and dead? Knowing your region and your lawn is important in order to provide appropriate summer lawn care. Here are a few simple tips to cultivate the lush lawn of your dreams…
Watering: When, How Much and How Often?
Watering is an important part of maintaining a healthy lawn. But before you untangle that garden hose, know that there are certain critical factors, including time of day, how frequently and how much. Believe it or not, many lawns suffer harm from over-watering, not just under-watering during the hot, summer months.
When: Morning is the best time of day to water the lawn. It tends to be the coolest part of the day. Evening temperatures in Middle Tennessee can still linger in the 90’s or high 80’s, even after the sun goes down. The cooler morning temperatures and stiller air allow the water more opportunity to seep into the soil instead of evaporating in the evening heat or being blown away by late afternoon breezes.
How Much: Established lawns require less water than new lawns or reseeded sections. For an established lawn, 20 to 30 minutes per day should probably do the trick. The key is how deep the water is penetrating. Ideal moisture depths are 6-8 inches. You can dig a small hole or use a stake or screwdriver about thirty minutes after watering to determine if you are getting the necessary permeation. You might need to test different sections of your lawn, as well. Grading in the yard and soil differences may change the amount of penetration in different spots.
How Often: Daily watering is not necessary for established lawns. (In fact, watering too frequently can contribute to shallow roots and weaker grass.) Watering two to three times per week should be adequate.
Watch for and Treat Lawn or Plant Disease
Diseases on grass or other plants are more than just a little annoying. While they may be unsightly (brown or dead patches, spots on plants), they can also be highly contagious to surrounding vegetation. At the first sight of disease, reach out to Turf Managers to create a plan of action in treating your lawn and plant disease to prevent spreading and restore a healthy landscape.
Summer Lawn Care Mowing Tips
Finally, proper mowing practices are essential for maintaining a lush, soft summer lawn. You may be tempted to cut the yard short so you don’t have to do it too often. Instead, leave it a little long. (A good rule of thumb is to only cut about a third of the grass’s current height at a time.) This allows grass to develop deeper roots, provides shade to keep the grass cooler and prevents the grass from getting stressed.
Once you mow, give yourself a break. Did you know leaving the clippings is actually a healthy form of summer lawn care? Instead of bagging, leave the trimmings, which will break down and feed the lawn.
Lawn Care Services in Nashville, TN
Whether you’re looking for full-service lawn care or specialized treatment that will keep your lawn healthy all summer long, Turf Managers is here for you – serving the Greater Nashville Area. Just call (615) 269-7706 or email us at helpdesk@turfmanagersllc.com for pricing and scheduling. We are here to help you enjoy these long summer days and nights in the beauty of your lush, green yard. Call today!
