Everyone wants a lawn that their neighbors are jealous of.  But with the heat of the summer beating down on your lawn and the possibility of a drought, how do you keep your lawn looking lush and green all summer long?  We have all the tips you need right here at KW Landscaping in Franklin, OH.  

Just like flowers, proper watering is extremely important when it comes to healthy, beautiful grass.  Simply watering your lawn isn’t necessarily the right thing to do.  There is a rhyme and a reason for how and when to water your lawn to ensure you get the most out of your lawn before the winter hits.

It’s All About Water

The Best Time of Day:

Watering your lawn in the evening seems ideal, especially if you work during the day.  But doing so is actually not the best practice.  Grass needs the morning sun for photosynthesis, but water in the afternoon sun will simply evaporate.  Watering in the evening could also cause diseases because the water will sit on the grass too long.  So when is the ideal time to water?  Usually between 6AM – 10AM is ideal, but if you cannot water your grass during this time, installing a sprinkler system is a great way to take care of your lawn without all the fuss.

Dry Spells:

During late summer, there will likely be times where we will have dry spells.  Lack of rain and the hot sun will cause lawns to dry out and turn brown, a big neighborhood lawn “no-no”.  This is because grass becomes dormant to conserve energy until the next rain comes.  So how do you fight against it?  Water heavily and infrequently, like natural rainfall.  This will help soak the roots and allow for a healthy lawn throughout the dry times.

Water Temperature:

This may seem obvious, but make sure that you do not water your lawn with hot water.  Water sitting in hoses in the sun that you may be unaware of can scorch your lawn.  Make sure you empty the hose out prior to sprinkling your lawn with cold water.  

Avoid Puddles:

Even when you are soaking your grass during a dry spell, for example, be sure to check for puddles.  If you see puddles or run-off somewhere, your lawn has likely taken in all the water it needs and needs a break.  Give it time to soak up the water that is there before you go back and water it more if you think it still needs it.

Maintenance

How to Feed Your Lawn

Slow-releasing fertilizer can protect your lawn from getting burned.  These usually last around 6-8 weeks, so make sure you set yourself on a schedule to re-fertilize when it is time again.  If your grass has already gone dormant, however, hold off until there has been plenty of rain and your grass is reviving itself before you fertilize again.

Why Aerate?

Aerating your lawn allows your lawn to “breathe” and soak up water more efficiently.  If your lawn isn’t too large, you can aerate your lawn with a garden fork, pressing it down about 10”-12” into the soil.  If you have a larger lawn, you can rent an aerator to make it easier.

Ask For Help!

Need help?  Ask KW Landscaping for assistance!  Whether you are looking for help designing, building, and/or maintaining your lawn and landscaping, we are here to help.  Visit our website for inspiration, check out our packages, services, and find other gardening information on our KW Garden Talk page!