Keep Your Grass Green During Hot Weather and Heatwaves

The sweltering heat of summer can be a tough adversary for your lawn. Scorching temperatures, coupled with periods of drought, often leave lawns looking parched and lackluster. At Nick’s Lawn Care, we understand the dedication it takes to maintain a lush, green lawn even in the face of the hottest summer months. Here are some expert tips to help you keep your grass green, vibrant and healthy during those scorching summer days.

1. Water Wisely

Effective watering is crucial to sustaining a healthy lawn during hot weather. Water your lawn deeply but infrequently to encourage deep root growth. The best time to water your lawn is early in the morning, around 6-10 AM, when temperatures are cooler and winds are calmer, reducing evaporation. Aim for about 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week, whether from rainfall or irrigation.

2. Mow High

Raise your mower blade during the summer months to keep your grass longer. Taller grass provides shade to the soil, which reduces evaporation and helps keep the ground cooler. Set your mower to cut your grass at a height of 3-4 inches. Avoid cutting more than one-third of the grass blade length at any one time to prevent stress on the grass.

3. Fertilize Lightly

Avoid heavy fertilization during extreme heat. While your grass still needs nutrients, too much fertilizer can scorch your lawn. Opt for a slow-release fertilizer and apply it lightly. This approach provides consistent nourishment without overwhelming your lawn during stressful heat conditions.

4. Control Weeds

Weeds compete with your grass for water and nutrients, making it even harder for your lawn to stay green during heatwaves. Regularly remove weeds by hand or use a targeted weed control product. Be cautious with herbicides, as some can stress your lawn further in high temperatures.

5. Aerate Your Lawn

Aerating your lawn allows water, nutrients, and air to penetrate the soil more effectively. This process helps break up compacted soil and promotes healthier root growth. Aerate your lawn in the early spring or fall, but if you missed these windows, doing it in the early summer can still be beneficial.

6. Mulch Clippings

Leave grass clippings on your lawn after mowing. These clippings act as a natural mulch, helping to retain moisture and returning valuable nutrients to the soil. Mulching also provides an additional layer of insulation against the heat.

7. Provide Shade

If possible, create shade to protect your lawn from the most intense sun. Planting trees or shrubs can provide natural shade, or you can use temporary structures like garden umbrellas or shade sails. Reducing the amount of direct sunlight your grass receives during the hottest parts of the day can significantly help maintain its greenness.

8. Pest Control

Pests can add stress to an already struggling lawn. Keep an eye out for signs of grubs, chinch bugs, or other lawn pests, and treat accordingly. Maintaining a healthy lawn through proper watering, mowing, and fertilizing can help it resist pest infestations more effectively.

9. Adjust to Heat Stresses

Understand that during peak heat periods, it’s normal for cool-season grasses to go dormant and turn brown. This is a natural survival mechanism. With proper care, your lawn will bounce back when temperatures drop and rainfall resumes.

By following these expert tips from Nick’s Lawn Care, you can help ensure that your lawn remains resilient and green, even during the hottest summer months. For personalized assistance and professional lawn care services, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Our team is dedicated to maintaining the natural beauty of your property year-round.