4 Tips That Will Protect Your Lawn in The Dead of Summer

Each year, there's a constant struggle to maintaining a healthy lawn. You'll start off great and green in the Spring, but the blistering Summer heat dries your grass and steals its vibrancy.

If you want a thriving lawn EVEN in the dog days of Summer, then start implementing these 4 simple tricks to get SUPERCHARGED results.

Cut High in the Heat

In the Spring, cutting short is fine with the cooler temperatures and rainfall. However, when the Summer's heat and drought arrives, the best practice is cutting high. This will not only shade your soil line, but also maintain your lawn's moisture, meaning GREENER grass.

Maintain your weekly cutting but adjust your mower to it's 3.5-4.5 inch or higher setting to ensure your grass stays well-hydrated during extended periods of drought and heat.

Watering at the Right Time

Watering at the right time of day is perhaps the MOST important step in this process. In fact, watering your lawn in ITSELF is more important than anything.

Most homeowners fail to realize that grass's favorite nutrient is water.

This is why you'll see luscious green grass in the Spring when it rains frequently. It's also why golf courses, professional sports teams (like the Cardinals), and similar organizations generously water their grass during these hot months.

So when's the best time to water and how often should you do it?

The best time to water is early in the morning, between 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. During this period, temperatures are much cooler, therefore water is less likely to evaporate before reaching your lawn's soil. Also, wind patterns tend to be calmer in the morning, which gives your lawn an even better chance at absorbing this necessary nutrient into your grass's roots.

You can also water in the late afternoon or early evening, HOWEVER, avoid watering at night as this causes water droplets to stick to your grass and increase your risk of lawn diseases.

Limit Your Foot Traffic

Now I'm not saying you and your family can't enjoy some outdoor time, but I recommend limiting your foot traffic during certain times.

For instance, you may want to steer clear from activities that involve the lawn during very hot stretches and droughts. I'm talking a whole week straight of highs in the 100s, without any precipitation.

Additionally, avoiding heavy traffic after watering not only helps the water make its way to your soil, but also reduces your chances of creating ruts that put unwanted blemishes and stress on your lawn. Once the sun and heat find their way to these damaged areas, brown and bare spots may appear.

As long as flag football isn't being played on a daily basis and you're following the other tricks I've mentioned, then your lawn should be a-okay.

Fertilize Your Lawn

Fertilizing is another great trick that keeps your grass happy in the summer. However, it's crucial you fertilize your lawn strategically to avoid burning your grass.

Choose a slow-release fertilizer with a balanced nutritious blend of nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium. These fertilizers are specifically made for summer use and will have your lawn on a different playing field.

Apply your fertilizer of choice by following the manufacturer's instructions, and make sure to water your lawn generously after application to prevent fertilizer burn.

By following these tips, you're better protected from a season of torment. You can also start implementing them as soon as today!

Benjamin Franklin famously told fire-worried Philadelphians in 1736 that, "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of the cure". Although he was referring to preventing fires, this principle can be applied to anything, including a lawn care routine. The best offense is great defense.

As long as you're doing everything you can to protect your lawn, then you're setting yourself up for success!