Summer lawn care tips north east U.S
Summer is the perfect time to enjoy your lawn, but it’s also a critical time for lawn care. The warm temperatures and long days of summer can take a toll on your grass, leaving it dry, brown, and patchy. To keep your lawn looking lush and green all summer long, it’s important to take the proper steps to care for it. Here are some tips for lawn care in the northeastern United States during the summer months:
- Water your lawn deeply and infrequently. When you water your lawn, you want to give the soil a chance to absorb the moisture so that it can reach the roots of the grass. Watering deeply and infrequently is better than shallow, frequent watering. Aim to give your lawn 1 inch of water per week, either all at once or over the course of several days. Do not over water.
- Mow your lawn regularly. Mowing your lawn is important for keeping it healthy and looking good. During the summer, your lawn will grow quickly, so be sure to mow it regularly. Keep the blade of your mower sharp and set it to a height of 2-3 inches. Mowing your lawn too short can stress the grass and make it more susceptible to disease.
- Fertilize your lawn. Summer is a good time to fertilize your lawn to promote growth and help it recover from the stress of hot weather. Use a fertilizer specifically formulated for warm-season grasses and follow the instructions on the label.
- Control weeds. Weeds can quickly take over your lawn during the summer, so it’s important to keep them under control. A weed killer that targets broad-leafed weeds and grassy weeds can help keep your lawn looking neat and tidy.
- Aerate your lawn. Aerating your lawn allows the soil to better absorb water, nutrients, and oxygen, which can help to promote root growth and improve the overall health of your lawn. Aerating is best done in late spring or early fall, but can be done at any time if your lawn is compacted.
- Be mindful of pests. Some pests like grubs and fire ants can be a problem in northeastern lawns during the summer. Keep an eye out for signs of infestation, like dead patches of grass, and use pesticides as needed.
By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to a healthy and beautiful lawn all summer long. Remember to be patient and consistent with your lawn care and to stay on top of your watering, mowing, fertilizing, and pest control. With a little bit of effort, your lawn will thrive during the summer months.
Overwatering is also important, and is especially prevalent in the summer time. Here are some quick bullet points from the United States Environmental Protection Agency regarding overwatering in the summer time:
- Depending on the region, homeowners use between 30 and 70 percent of their water outdoors.
- Experts estimate that 50 percent of the water we use outdoors goes to waste from evaporation, wind, or runoff due to overwatering.
- Review your water bills and compare your winter water use with your summer use to get a sense of how much extra water you use outdoors when it’s hot.
Overall, keeping a healthy lawn requires work, but is worth the effort to keep your lawn looking great all summer long.