HOW TO: Mastering Summer Lawn Care in No Time - Expert Tips for Busy Homeowners + Lawn care tips
- msanlin
- Dec 1, 2024
- 12 min read
Summer invites outdoor relaxation, barbecues, and family gatherings. However, it also brings the challenge of maintaining a lush lawn. The thought of keeping a beautiful yard can be overwhelming for busy homeowners. The good news is that you can master summer lawn care without sacrificing all your free time. This guide provides practical tips designed to fit seamlessly into your busy schedule.
Here’s how to keep your lawn vibrant this summer while efficiently managing your time. Summer is a time for relaxation and outdoor fun, but it also presents the challenge of maintaining a lush lawn. For busy homeowners, keeping a beautiful yard may feel overwhelming. However, with proper summer lawn care, you can keep your lawn vibrant without sacrificing all your free time. Focus on regular mowing at the right height, deep watering, fertilizing for strong growth, aerating, and controlling weeds. These simple steps will ensure your lawn stays healthy and beautiful throughout the summer while fitting into your busy schedule.
Understand Your Lawn Type
When you look at your lawn, you might just see a sea of green, but there's more going on than meets the eye. Your grass isn't just "grass." It's part of a diverse world where different types of grasses have specific needs, much like how some people thrive in the sun while others prefer shade. Understanding your lawn's grass type is the first step to keeping it healthy and beautiful throughout the summer.
Why Knowing Your Grass Matters
Imagine trying to grow a cactus in a rainforest or a water lily in the desert—it wouldn't work, right? The same goes for your lawn. Each grass type has its own "personality," and understanding it ensures your efforts are effective, not wasted.
Cool-season grasses (like Kentucky bluegrass and fine fescue): These grasses love cooler weather and thrive in spring and fall. They might struggle under the intense summer heat and could use extra water and shade if possible.
Warm-season grasses (like Bermuda or Zoysia): These varieties are the sun-worshippers of the lawn world, loving hot summers and requiring less water than their cool-season counterparts.
Identify Your Grass Type
If you're unsure what kind of grass you have, don’t worry—it’s easier than you think to find out.
Research: Begin by identifying your grass type through local gardening centers or online resources. For instance, if you're in a cooler climate, you might find fine fescue varieties common, while southern states may lean towards Bermuda.
Adjust Care Accordingly: Once identified, tailor your maintenance practices. Cool-season grasses thrive in cooler temperatures, so they’re best cared for in early summer, while warm-season grasses like Buffalo flourish with increasing heat.
Watering Wisely
Watering efficiently is one of the most vital aspects of summer lawn care. Keeping your lawn healthy during hot months requires careful attention to watering techniques.
Timing Is Everything
Water Early: Aim to water your lawn early in the morning, preferably between 6 AM and 10 AM. This timing takes advantage of cooler temperatures, reducing evaporation, which can be as high as 30% during peak sun hours.
Frequency: Focus on deep, infrequent watering instead of short daily sessions. For example, watering 2-3 times per week, delivering 1-1.5 inches of water each time, encourages robust root growth.
Measurement
Rule of Thumb: Track your lawn’s water needs. An average lawn needs approximately 1 to 1.5 inches of water weekly, including rainfall. You can easily measure this with a simple rain gauge. Don't have a rain gauge, that's okay!
Here's a simple personal gardening tip to measure your lawn's water needs without a rain gauge: Use a small container like an empty tuna can or a plastic cup to track how much water your lawn is receiving.
Here’s how you can do it:
Place the container on your lawn in an area that’s typical of your yard (not under a tree or near the sprinkler head).
Water your lawn as you normally would with your sprinkler or hose.
Check how long it takes for the container to fill up with water to a specific level—say, 1 inch. You can mark the level on the container for future reference.
Once you’ve figured out how long it takes to reach 1 inch, you’ll know how much time to water your lawn to meet its weekly water needs.
Check Soil Moisture: Before you water your lawn, take a quick check of the soil. Simply stick your finger about 2 inches into the soil. If it feels dry at that depth, it’s time to water. If it feels moist, hold off on watering for now. Quick Tip: If you find it hard to check the soil with your finger, you can use a screwdriver instead! Simply stick the tip of the screwdriver into the soil. If it goes in easily, the soil is still moist. If it’s tough to push in, it’s time to water. This simple trick helps you know exactly when your lawn needs a drink without any guesswork!
This simple check will help you avoid overwatering and keep your lawn healthy. No need for fancy tools—just your finger or a screwdriver!
Lawn Care Mowing for Success
Mowing may seem like a repetitive task, but it’s a key part of keeping your lawn lush and healthy. Regular mowing promotes stronger grass growth and helps prevent weeds from taking over. By mowing at the right time and height, you’re encouraging your grass to grow thicker and more resilient, creating a vibrant yard that’s both beautiful and low-maintenance.
It’s important not to let your grass grow too long between mowings, as this can stress the grass and lead to uneven growth. Longer grass can also shade out the lower parts of the blades, weakening the plant and making it more prone to pests and disease. Keeping your lawn at a consistent height helps maintain its health and keeps it looking neat and tidy.
Mowing Frequency:
To keep your lawn in top shape, it’s best to mow once a week during the warmer months. This helps prevent your grass from becoming overgrown while maintaining its health. If the grass grows slower in cooler weather, you can adjust the mowing schedule to every 10–14 days, depending on your grass type and climate.
Don’t Have Time? Let Greenworks Help! If mowing feels like too much of a chore or you simply don’t have the time to keep up with your lawn care, Greenworks Prestige Garden Maintenance is here to help. Our expert team can take care of mowing, edging, and maintaining your lawn to ensure it stays healthy and looks great all year round. Contact us today to learn how we can help you enjoy a well-maintained yard without the hassle.
Keep Your Mower Sharp
Ensuring your mower's blades are sharp is one of the most important steps for a healthy lawn. A clean, precise cut minimizes stress on the grass, which helps it recover quickly and reduces the risk of diseases. Dull blades tear the grass, leaving ragged edges that are more prone to drying out and inviting pests. For the best results, sharpen your mower blades at least once a season or more often if you mow frequently.
Mow at the Right Height
We get it sometimes, the thought of mowing the lawn every week feels like a chore, and you might think that mowing it as short as possible will save you time and effort in the long run. But cutting your grass too short, also known as "scalping," is a mistake that can hurt your lawn in the long run. Here’s why:
The Hidden Risks of Mowing Too Short
When you mow your grass too short, you expose the roots to direct sunlight, which can dry them out. This weakens the grass and makes it harder for it to recover. In the heat of summer, this stress can cause your grass to turn brown and dry, and the roots may struggle to grow deep enough to absorb water and nutrients. In the end, mowing too short can leave you with a lawn that’s not only unattractive but also more susceptible to pests, weeds, and disease.
The Right Height Makes All the Difference
While it might feel like mowing low means less frequent mowing, your lawn should keep it at the ideal height of 2.5 to 3.5 inches. At this height, your grass can shade the soil, keeping the roots cooler and better protected from the harsh sun. Taller grass also retains moisture more effectively, which means it doesn’t dry out as quickly. This results in healthier, thicker grass that can withstand heat and drought better than grass that’s been scalped.
A Healthier Lawn Saves Time in the Long Run
By keeping your grass at the right height, you’re setting it up to grow deep, strong roots. These healthy roots help your lawn recover faster and make it more resilient. So, even though it might take a little more time to mow each week, you’re saving time and effort in the future by reducing the need for extra care, watering, and patching up dead spots caused by scalping.
Why I Care About Your Lawn’s Health
At Greenworks Prestige Garden Maintenance, we care about giving you a lawn that’s both beautiful and low-maintenance. We know mowing every week might feel like a hassle, but trust us—mowing at the right height will save you time and stress in the long run. A healthy lawn not only looks better, but it’s easier to care for. So, the next time you think about mowing too low, remember: that a well-maintained lawn is worth the extra effort, and we’re here to help make that happen!
By following the right mowing practices, you’ll enjoy a greener, healthier lawn that’s easier to manage, even in the toughest summer months. Let us help you keep your lawn at its best—contact Greenworks today for expert mowing and care!
Don't Bag the Clippings
It may be tempting to bag up your grass clippings after mowing, but leaving them on your lawn is a great natural fertilizer! Grass clippings break down quickly, returning important nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium into the soil. These nutrients are essential for healthy grass growth, helping your lawn stay lush and green without the need for extra chemicals. By simply leaving the clippings where they fall, you’re recycling the nutrients, which can save time and effort, while keeping your lawn healthier and more eco-friendly. Here’s how you can make the most of mulching while avoiding the downsides:
Keep It Thin: Ensure the clippings are spread thinly over the lawn. If you notice clumps, break them up or mow again in a crisscross pattern to disperse the clippings more evenly.
Mow When Grass Is Dry: Wet grass is more likely to clump together. Mowing when your lawn is dry helps keep the clippings from forming large piles.
Regular Mowing: Mow frequently to avoid cutting too much at once. Taller grass generates more clippings, which can easily form clumps. Regular mowing keeps them manageable.
Fertilizing: Giving Your Lawn the Nutrients It Needs
Fertilizing your lawn properly during the summer months is crucial for keeping it strong and healthy. Summer heat can stress your grass, so using the right fertilization techniques helps support growth and sustains your lawn through tough conditions.
Choose the Right FertilizerWhen it comes to fertilizing, not all fertilizers are created equal. Using the wrong one can lead to excessive growth that requires more mowing and can even harm the lawn in the long run. To avoid this, choose a slow-release nitrogen fertilizer. These fertilizers release nutrients gradually, providing a steady supply of food for your lawn over time.
Slow-Release Nitrogen Fertilizer: Opting for a fertilizer with around 28% slow-release nitrogen is ideal. This helps encourage steady, healthy growth with fewer applications, saving you time and effort. It also reduces the risk of nutrient leaching, where the nutrients wash away before your grass can absorb them.
Timing MattersThe best time to apply fertilizer is in early summer when your grass is growing actively. However, be careful not to over-fertilize—this can stress your lawn and potentially cause more harm than good.
Weed Control: Keep Weeds at Bay with Minimal Effort
Weeds can be a major hassle, but managing them doesn’t have to consume all your time. A few simple strategies can keep them under control and your lawn looking great.
Pre-Emergent Herbicides
One of the most effective ways to prevent weeds from sprouting is by using pre-emergent herbicides in late spring. These products create a barrier in the soil that prevents weed seeds from germinating, reducing weed growth by up to 80% when applied correctly. This is an excellent way to keep your lawn looking neat and reduce the time spent pulling weeds later in the season. Make sure the herbicide is compatible with your grass type!
Manual Weeding
Weeding may seem tedious, but tackling weeds regularly can save you a lot of work down the road. Spend just a few minutes each week inspecting your lawn and removing weeds before they spread. By staying on top of the issue, you’ll prevent the weeds from becoming more established, which keeps your lawn healthier and looking better.
Aeration: Improving Lawn Health with Easy Access to Water and Nutrients
Aeration is a simple yet powerful way to promote healthy lawn growth. It involves creating small holes in the soil to allow better airflow, water penetration, and nutrient absorption. This helps your grass grow stronger and ensures it gets the nutrients it needs to stay healthy, especially during dry summer months.
When to Aerate
Late summer is a great time to aerate your lawn, especially if you’re busy during the spring months. Aerating at this time allows your lawn to recover before the cooler fall weather arrives. It’s also beneficial for relieving compacted soil, which can restrict root growth and prevent water and nutrients from reaching the roots.
Tools for Aeration
If you prefer a DIY approach, investing in a lawn aeration tool can make the job easier. There are various types available, from hand-held spike aerators from your local bunnings, to more advanced core aerators. If you don’t have the time or energy, professional lawn aeration services are a great option. Hiring a pro ensures the job is done right, and you’ll get the best results without the hassle of doing it yourself.
By implementing these lawn care strategies—leaving the clippings on the lawn, using the right fertilizer, managing weeds, and aerating—you’re setting your lawn up for long-term health and beauty.
Create a Lawn Care Schedule
For busy homeowners, managing lawn care tasks through a clear, consistent schedule is key to maintaining a healthy, vibrant lawn without feeling overwhelmed. By breaking down the work into manageable weekly tasks, you can keep your lawn looking great while saving time and effort.
Weekly Checklist: Simplifying Lawn Care
Mowing: Set aside specific days each week for mowing, ideally when the grass is dry to avoid clumping. Plan around weather patterns, as mowing in wet conditions can leave your lawn looking uneven and lead to issues like clumping or compacted soil.
Watering: Lawns generally need about 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week, including rainfall. If you're busy, setting reminders on your phone or using an automated sprinkler system can help you stick to a consistent watering schedule. Watering early in the morning, when temperatures are cooler, helps reduce evaporation and ensures the grassroots get the moisture they need.
Weed Inspection: A few minutes each week can go a long way in keeping weeds at bay. Make inspecting for weeds part of your routine. Early detection allows you to remove weeds before they can spread or take over your lawn. Simply pull them out by hand or use a targeted spot treatment for a more eco-friendly approach. This habit helps reduce the need for extensive weed control down the road.
By following a weekly checklist, you can keep your lawn in top shape without dedicating hours of work each week. A little time spent consistently will help you avoid larger, more time-consuming tasks later on, giving you more time to enjoy your beautiful outdoor space.
Monthly Review
At the end of each month, evaluate your lawn's health. Adjusting your routine based on observations ensures your lawn remains vibrant throughout the season.
Use Technology to Your Advantage
For busy homeowners, technology can make lawn care easier and more efficient. Here’s how:
Apps for Lawn Care
Mobile apps can help track your lawn’s health, offering:
Watering reminders based on your lawn's needs
Fertilization alerts to keep your lawn nourished
Pest and disease alerts to address issues early
These apps simplify maintenance with automated reminders, so you don't have to remember every detail. Examples below:
LawnStarter – Provides personalized care plans and reminders for mowing, fertilizing, and watering your lawn, as well as access to professional lawn care services.
My Lawn by Scotts – Offers expert advice on lawn care, seasonal reminders, and tips for fertilizing and watering, based on your lawn’s specific needs.
Yardzen – Helps design custom lawn care plans with professional guidance, offering planting suggestions and step-by-step maintenance instructions.
WaterMyYard – Monitors weather conditions and provides watering recommendations based on local rainfall, helping to reduce water waste and ensure efficient lawn care.
Planta – Primarily for plants, but also useful for lawns, it offers care reminders for watering, fertilizing, and general maintenance.
Smart Irrigation Systems
Smart irrigation systems adjust watering based on real-time weather, ensuring your lawn gets the right amount of water without waste.
Water conservation and automated scheduling save time and money
Weather adjustments prevent overwatering
By using these tools, lawn care becomes effortless, giving you more time to enjoy your yard while keeping it healthy and vibrant.
Consider Professional Help
If managing your lawn feels overwhelming, hiring a lawn care service may be the best option.
Pros and Cons of Hiring a Lawn Care Service
Pros:
Expertise: Professionals have the knowledge and experience to handle lawn care tasks like mowing, fertilizing, and pest control. They can identify issues early, preventing bigger problems down the road.
Time-Saving: Hiring a service frees up your time, so you don’t have to worry about keeping up with weekly tasks.
Long-Term Health: Regular professional care can ensure your lawn stays healthy and vibrant year-round, with consistent maintenance tailored to your lawn’s needs.
Cons:
Cost: Professional lawn care services come at a price, and depending on your budget, this could be a consideration. However, it’s often seen as an investment in your lawn’s health and beauty.
If you find lawn care too time-consuming or confusing, hiring a professional could give you peace of mind while ensuring your lawn remains beautiful.
Plan for Long-term Beauty
A vibrant lawn doesn’t need to turn into an overwhelming task for busy homeowners. By implementing strategies like understanding your grass type, watering effectively, and managing weeds and pests, you can significantly minimize the time required for lawn maintenance.
Effective summer lawn care can provide you with more free time to enjoy the outdoors rather than worrying about yard work. Approach your lawn care with organization, use modern tools, or consider professional assistance to maintain a picture-perfect lawn.
With thoughtful planning and proactive measures, you'll not only cultivate a luscious lawn but also create enduring memories with your loved ones in your outdoor space.
Now that you have these valuable tips, it's time to step outside and give your lawn the attention it deserves. Happy gardening!
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