How Can I Improve My Lawn In The Summer?

Ahhhh the summertime is quickly approaching us in Annapolis. We know it’s a great time to enjoy the outdoors, but it can also be challenging for lawns. Lawns can quickly become patchy and unhealthy between the heat and the pets, insects, and foot traffic. Are you wondering “how can I improve my lawn in the summer?” We can help guide you a little bit. Let’s take a few minutes to discuss tips for keeping your yard green and healthy during summer. We will cover everything from watering to weed control, so you can keep your lawn looking its best!

The Hot Summer Annapolis Drought: A Big Problem for Your Yard

Drought is one of the most common problems homeowners face during the summer. Yard droughts tend to occur during the hot months when temperatures significantly rise and rainy days become less frequent. However, grass can generally withstand drought for up to 5-6 weeks before dying off due to its resiliency. However, our weather patterns in Annapolis can change on a whim, and there are times when you need to take specific steps as a homeowner to improve the overall condition of your lawn.

Is My Lawn Suffering From Drought Problems?

You will most likely see lawn problems after long periods of excessive heat with no rain. There are signs that you will notice if your yard is suffering from a drought, such as:

• The grass has changed color to a yellow, blue-gray color.
• Imprints such as footprints or wheel marks don’t bounce back or are slow to fluff up after walking or mowing the lawn.

If your lawn exhibits any of these characteristics, it’s essential to water it right away, no matter what time of day it is. Keep in mind that particular watering habits may help you avoid drought in the first place.

How Can I Improve My Lawn In The Summer?

When it comes to preventing or alleviating drought symptoms, the best thing you can do is water your lawn. Keep the following points in mind while watering your grass:

• Most yards in Annapolis require 1 – 1.5 inches of water per week and more when temperatures are more severe.
• Best practice is to water your lawn early in the morning before it gets too hot to reduce evaporation waste in the afternoon. Watering this way also encourages healthy root development by avoiding root rot and lawn disease from pools of standing water.
• The more frequently and consistently you water, the healthier your yard will be, which will also help your grass become more drought tolerant.
• If your lawn has become dormant, it will green up when the cooler weather and rain return—do not try to water it back to life.
• Maintaining a healthy, properly-mowed lawn is vital for its longevity. During the hot summer months, especially, proper mowing techniques are crucial. Make sure your lawn needs cutting in the first place. If your grass has stopped growing or appears dry and brown, don’t mow it.
• Be sure to check your lawnmower blades. The blades need to be sharp because DULL MOWER BLADES WILL TEAR UP YOUR YARD.
• Set your mower blade to the top highest position to better protect the roots from the summer sun.

What Else Should I Know About Summer Lawn Care?

Aside from following the appropriate watering and mowing instructions, restrict foot traffic and outdoor play while your lawn is under heat stress. Even though it may be pleasurable to engage in outdoor activities on your grass, it’s better to wait until things get better.

Unfortunately, summer isn’t the only time when homeowners face difficulties. We recommend checking your property’s perimeter regularly to check for indications of strain, such as insect infestations or illness. If you find weeds growing on your lawn, you may ask for a free treatment re-application to keep the problem at bay.

If you don’t have time, need help, or just notice anything unusual, please get in touch with your local lawn care expert at Paradise Landscapes and Hardscapes. We will schedule a free estimate to help diagnose any problems with a free healthy lawn analysis.

We care for your lawn at Paradise Landscapes and Hardscapes, so let us do your dirty work this summer!