It’s a hot summer here in the South. You’re probably even sweating as you’re reading this. Or maybe you’re sitting inside, enjoying the A/C, while staring out the window at your withering lawn that’s turning a lovely shade of brown. You may think it’s inevitable; that there’s no way your grass can survive this heat. But don’t give up yet. Depending on the type of grass you have, your lawn can likely withstand some hot weather with proper, consistent lawn care.
Warm-season grasses are ideal in the summertime in the Southern U.S. – zoysia, bermuda, & centipede grass are a few common types – since they can withstand higher heat, thriving in temperatures between 75 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. So if your lawn is a warm-season turf, you’ll keep it green and healthy with:
- Watering schedule – mornings are best with about an inch a week of water
- Weed control – getting rid of weeds and preventing new weed growth is essential to maintaining a healthy, green lawn (treatment should be based on the type of weed; contact a lawn care company if you’re not sure which products to use)
- Mowing (or lack of) – keep grass high enough to protect the soil from too much sun exposure; about an inch higher than you would mow grass in cooler months
Cool-season grasses – fescue, ryegrass, & kentucky bluegrass – can be a bit more challenging to keep up appearances in the summer since they thrive in colder temperatures. So if you don’t mind your lawn turning a yellow or brown color, you can allow cool-season grass to go dormant throughout summer and it will come back to life when the weather cools off. But, if you’d like to keep it looking lush and green, you’ll need to:
- Water – early mornings are best
- Check regularly for fungus (brown patch is common in Fescue grasses; characterized by brown or yellow blade tips)
- Prevent lawn diseases by mowing with sharp blades, avoid applying fertilizer, and use a liquid fungicide if needed
- Control grubs – apply a chemical grub control product during the summer and follow directions carefully (some products require additional water)
And if you don’t feel like sweating lawn care on your own this summer, call in a pro. A lawn care specialist will know exactly what kind of nutrients your grass needs to keep it healthy year-round, and can also provide you with watering and mowing recommendations for maximum results.