Tips for Protecting Your Lawn for the Hot Dry Summer Weather Ahead
Predicting the weather in Ohio can feel like shaking a Magic 8 Ball, but one thing’s for sure: there will be a stretch of dry, hot weather. While that time isn’t here yet, it doesn’t mean you can’t start taking precautions to protect your grass from summer stress. Here are some quick steps to help with your lawn care efforts.
Water Wisely
Your lawn requires at least 1 inch of water per week, and during extreme heat waves, it will need more. The best way to measure water intake is by setting up a rain gauge.
During those summer weeks when you have to manually water your lawn, it’s best to do so before 10 a.m. (before the heat of the day) to limit evaporation.
Another tip: Perform infrequent, longer waterings to encourage deeper root growth.
Mower High and Often
For starters, don’t mow low. There’s science behind this: short grass means short roots, and tall grass means less evaporation due to added shade. Aim for 2 to 3 inches during the warm seasons.
When it comes to mowing frequency, mow often. It’s important to cut no more than 1/3 of the grass blade at a time—even if it means mowing twice a week. Additionally, make sure your blades are sharp to limit tearing, which leads to moisture loss. Schedule a blade sharpening today.
Another tip: Skip bagging and mulch your clips. This will keep the moisture in the soil and return nutrients.
Fertilize Properly
It’s best to avoid heavy fertilizing in mid-summer. If your lawn needs a boost, apply a slow-release fertilizer in late spring or wait until early fall, when cooler temps help grass recover and grow. If you apply fertilizer in the summer heat, you can burn the lawn.
Aeration
Ohio lawns are known for having a clay-heavy soil composition, which becomes compacted easily. An easy way to combat this is by aerating your lawn just before that summer heat hits, after the last frost.
Weed out the Weeds!
Dandelions, crabgrass, and other weeds are common and compete with your grass for water. Spot-treat or manually remove weeds to reduce competition during dry spells.
We hope these tips help you maintain a 10/10 lawn this summer! If you have any questions or are looking for a new tool for your lawn, stop by your nearest CEC Turf & Tractor store or contact us today.
If you are in need of any equipment or tips, contact us!