Beat the Heat: Tips for Avoiding Drought Stress on Your Lawn This Summer

Corey

Thursday, 06 June 2024

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Summer in Georgia can be tough on your lawn. With blazing temperatures and occasional drought conditions, it's essential to take proactive steps to keep your grass healthy and vibrant. At AgroPro, we understand the challenges that come with maintaining a lush lawn during the summer months. Here are some expert tips to help you avoid drought stress and keep your lawn looking its best.

Watering Wisely

Proper watering is crucial during the sweltering summer months. Here are some tips to ensure your lawn gets the hydration it needs:

Deep and Infrequent Watering

Water your lawn deeply and less frequently to encourage deep root growth. Aim for about 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week, including rainfall. It is important to avoid overwatering your lawn. It may seem necessary to water your lawn more in the summer months, but overwatering can lead to shallow roots and make your lawn more susceptible to drought stress. Monitor soil moisture levels to avoid excess watering.

Early Morning Watering

Water your lawn early in the morning when temperatures are cooler and winds are calmer. This reduces evaporation and ensures more water reaches the roots. It also allows for ample time for the water to reach the roots and not pool up during cooler night hours, which can encourage disease, and unwanted insects.

Mowing Smartly

How you mow your lawn can significantly impact its health during the summer. Follow these mowing tips:

Raise Your Mower Blades

Set your mower blades to a higher setting to leave grass blades longer. Longer grass provides shade for the soil, reducing water evaporation and keeping the roots cooler.

Mow Regularly

Regular mowing encourages healthy growth. However, never cut more than one-third of the grass height at a time to avoid stressing the plants.

Keep Blades Sharp

Sharp mower blades make clean cuts, reducing stress on the grass. Dull blades can tear the grass, making it more vulnerable to disease and drought. Shredded grass will also make your lawn look dull and unhealthy.

Fertilizing and Overseeding Appropriately

Proper fertilization can help your lawn withstand the summer heat. Use slow-release fertilizers and avoid fertilizing in extreme heat. Opt for slow-release fertilizers that provide a steady supply of nutrients over time. This helps prevent rapid growth that can further stress your lawn during hot weather. If you decide to fertilize, make sure to schedule fertilization during cooler periods of the summer when there are not periods of intense heat that can burn your lawn.

Overseeding can enhance your lawn's ability to withstand drought. The best time to overseed is in early summer when the soil is warm enough for seed germination, but before the peak heat of the season. Overseeding with grass varieties that are known for their drought tolerance, such as Bermudagrass and Zoysiagrass, can improve your lawn's resilience.

Enhancing Soil Quality

Good soil health is the foundation of a resilient lawn. You can apply a thin layer of topsoil and compost to improve soil structure and water retention. This also adds essential nutrients to the soil. Another way to enhance your soil's health is by leaving grass clippings on the lawn after mowing. They decompose quickly and return valuable nutrients and moisture to the soil. To ensure they do not suffocate your lawn, spread them around the lawn evenly instead of leaving them in large clumps.

Aeration also helps your lawn breathe and absorb water into the soil more effectively. Aerate your lawn in early summer to alleviate soil compaction and improve water infiltration. This helps the roots grow deeper and stronger.

Reducing Foot Traffic

Minimize stress on your lawn by managing foot traffic where you can. Constant foot traffic can cause soil compaction and wear and tear on your grass. If applicable, designate specific pathways for foot traffic or create walkways with stepping-stones or gravel to guide foot traffic and protect your lawn areas.

By following these expert tips, you can help your lawn beat the summer heat and avoid drought stress. At AgroPro Lawncare Specialists, we're here to support you in maintaining a healthy lawn all year round. If you need professional assistance or for more lawn care tips and services, don't hesitate to contact us at 678-445-9990.

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