Hot weather and summer heat are here! Here are five tips for your lawn when the heat and hot weather starts to settle in.
#1: Timing is Everything - Avoid watering your lawn during the hottest parts of the day.
Watering your lawn between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. can lead to excessive water loss through evaporation. Not only is this wasteful, but it can also result in a hefty water bill. Instead, opt for cooler times like early morning or late evening. By doing so, you minimize water loss and allow for better absorption into the soil, promoting healthier root growth.
#2: Brown Doesn't Mean Dead - Do not put black dirt on dormant grass.
When your lawn goes dormant and turns brown due to summer heat, it's not dead! It's merely conserving energy to survive. Applying black dirt to dormant areas won't help revive your grass. Reserve black dirt or topdressing for leveling or seeding purposes only. Adding it during dormancy can impede regrowth once the weather cools down. Trust nature to bring your lawn back to life when the time is right.
#3: Respect the Length - Do not cut your grass too short.
During extreme heat, cutting your grass too short can be detrimental. It exposes the soil to direct sunlight, increasing water evaporation and heat stress. Avoid scalping your lawn by setting your mower to the highest cutting height possible. Additionally, refrain from removing large amounts of grass all at once. Gradual trimming helps maintain lawn health.
#4: Timing Matters - Do not mow in extreme heat.
Mowing your lawn during the hottest parts of the day adds unnecessary stress to your grass. Opt for cooler times, such as early morning or evening, when the grass is less stressed. Sharp mower blades ensure clean cuts and minimize damage. Remember, the heat is tough on your grass, so give it a chance to recover before the intense heat returns.
#5: Watch Out for Herbicides - Do not use herbicides in extreme heat.
Applying herbicides during extreme heat can harm both the weeds and your grass. The high temperature can intensify the herbicide's potency, leading to damage and weakening of your lawn. With the grass already struggling, spraying herbicides adds additional stress. Wait for temperatures to cool down before using herbicides, or consider applying them in the evening to minimize any potential damage to your grass.
Flowzone Backpack Sprayer: Out of stock (will update when available)
Disclaimer: Results may vary with location, weather, application rates, and applicator. Follow your local laws and application guidelines. Wear proper PPE.
LAWN LIFE assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video.
Due to factors beyond the control of LAWN LIFE, no information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result.
Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, products or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not LAWN LIFE.
