Summer Lawn Maintenance Basics

As you well know, hot, dry days are just an inescapable part of summer. Many lawns seem to bake in the heat. Some lawns fare better through the summer than others, and the key is a healthy root system! When the temperatures skyrocket, it’s normal for turf to turn a straw colour and go dormant as a protective measure. However, a strong lawn will be dormant for a shorter time, and will bounce back more easily. Here are 3 easy steps to help your lawn to be more resilient in the heat this summer.

1. Feed Regularly

Within 6-8 weeks of feeding, microbes in the soil have processed most of the nutrients for your lawn to absorb. You need to replenish these nutrients with another feeding. A well-fed lawn grows in thickly, crowding out weeds and cooling the soil, which helps it handle the heat. If you completed your Spring feed in April or early May, mid to late June is the perfect time to feed again. However, if your lawn has gone dormant, hold off on feeding until rain revives it.

Our favourite summer lawn food is Scotts® Turf Builder® SummerGuard® Lawn Food. It’s powered by EveryDrop® Technology, a wetting agent, which helps drive water into hard, dry soil and reduces wasteful runoff. In fact, you will enjoy green grass with up to 50% less water. With an N-P-K of 34-0-0, you can grow a thick, green lawn and keep it that way all summer. Specifically formulated to help grass withstand the stress of summer heat and drought, and a 4kg bag will cover up to 350m² of your lawn.

2. Mow High

If you cut your grass short, you’re short-changing your lawn. Longer grass allows the growth of longer roots, which can reach down for moisture even on hot, dry days. Just set your mower on one of the highest settings. You’ll be surprised what a difference this simple step can make! Keeping your mower well maintained with a sharp, clean blade is also important for the health of your lawn.

3. Water Wisely

If your grass has been cut short all season, you’re going to have to water more frequently. But sometimes, even longer grass needs extra moisture. If you choose to water during a dry spell, be sure to water deeply and infrequently. Frequent, shallow watering encourages grass to grow short roots, causing the grass to stress out during droughts. An inch of water a week serves as a good rule of thumb for keeping your lawn green during active growth periods. Just be sure to water as early as possible in the morning, between 6AM and 10AM, to help reduce wasteful evaporation.

Content provided by Scotts Canada, with our thanks.