Summer lawn care is a commitment that involves daily, weekly, monthly, and seasonal tasks. From mowing and watering to fertilizing, weeding, aerating, and pest control, each task is essential for the health and beauty of your lawn.
Luckily, this guide has the most complete summer lawn care tips checklist. Here, you will find detailed steps and practical advice to keep your lawn green and lush throughout the whole season, no matter how hot it gets. Start reading and prepare your summer lawn care routine!
How To Take Care Of Lawn Grass In Summer? 6 Basic Steps
To manage lawn care in summer, you need to plan a checklist that includes mowing, watering, fertilizing, weeding, aerating, and controlling pests. The details of each task are included in the list below.
1. Mow
Regular mowing is crucial in the summer, but it is essential to adjust your mowing height. Set your mower blades higher to leave the grass about 3-4 inches tall. Taller grass shades the soil, reducing water evaporation and protecting the roots from heat stress.
2. Water
Watering deeply and less frequently encourages deeper root growth, making your lawn more drought-resistant. Aim to water your lawn early in the morning to reduce evaporation and avoid evening watering to prevent fungal diseases. Most lawns need about 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week.
3. Fertilize
Use a slow-release fertilizer to provide a steady supply of nutrients throughout the summer. Avoid over-fertilizing, as it can cause excessive growth and stress the grass. To give your lawn a nutrient boost, fertilize in late spring or early summer. Opt for practices that are greener for your lawn care.
4. Remove Weeds
Weeds can compete with your grass for nutrients and water. Regularly inspect your lawn and get rid of weeds in the grass by hand or use an appropriate herbicide. Staying on top of weed control will help maintain a healthy lawn.
5. Aerate
If your lawn feels compacted or if you notice water pooling, consider aerating it. Aeration involves perforating the soil with small holes to allow air, water, and nutrients to penetrate the grass roots. This task also softens hard soil in lawns and can be especially beneficial in mid to late summer.
6. Hire Pest Control
Keep an eye out for pests such as grubs, chinch bugs, and sod webworms. Early detection and treatment are crucial to preventing significant damage. Use organic or chemical controls as needed to protect your lawn.
Summer Lawn Care Schedule: The Ideal Routine
Here is the schedule for the perfect summer yard maintenance checklist. The list is in order of frequency, from weekly to seasonal tasks. Read on and start today!
Weekly Tasks
- Mow your lawn, keeping the grass at a height of 3-4 inches.
- Inspect for weeds and remove them promptly.
- Check for signs of pests and treat as necessary.
Bi-weekly Tasks
- Deep water your lawn early in the morning.
- Edge your lawn to keep a clean boundary and prevent grass from creeping into flower beds or walkways.
Monthly Tasks
- Fertilize with a slow-release fertilizer.
- Inspect for signs of soil compaction and aerate if needed.
- Adjust your irrigation system to ensure even coverage and efficient water use.
Seasonal Tasks
- In late spring or early summer, apply a slow-release fertilizer.
- Sharpen your mower blades to ensure a clean cut.
- Check and clean your irrigation system, including sprinkler heads and hoses.
End Of Summer Lawn Care
- Overseed to help fill in bare spots, improve grass density, and enhance the lawn's overall appearance.
- Another late summer lawn care is to lower your mowing height as temperatures start to cool gradually.
Following this summer lawn care schedule and maintenance checklist, you can enjoy a beautiful, healthy lawn all season long. With homeyou's landscapers, your grass will remain green, lush, and inviting!