Summer lawn care tips
When temperatures are above 20 celsius, lawn care becomes very important. Follow these easy and effective tips for summer lawn care.
Raise the mowing height
Mowing high, about 6 cm (2 1/2 inches), allows for better moisture retention. More leaf surface also produces more food for the plant through photosynthesis and eventually gives a better root system for the plants.
Top dressing
Bare patches in your lawn allow weeds to move in. Work up the soil or add a bit of new soil, then seed or sod the area.
Mulch
Try grasscycling (mulching). Clippings about 1 to 2 cm long are left on the grass to provide a slow-release nitrogen source for your lawn. You may need to mow more often (every four to five days) but the time and energy saved not bagging grass, plus the decrease in grass going to the landfill is a win-win.
Water early morning or early evening
A good heavy watering once a week (about 2.5 cm or 1 inch) helps to produce a deeper root system which is less likely to be damaged by drought. Light sprinklings promote a shallow root system which is easily damaged by drought. Over-watering starves the roots of needed oxygen.
Water does not need to be applied weekly if it rains. In fact, your lawn will tell you when it needs water. The grass blades will droop or wilt and may take on a grayish-green appearance. This is the time to water.
Fertilize
Sometime between mid-July and mid-August, apply a slow release nitrogen fertilizer. Use a 3:1:2 or 4:1:2 ratio. Follow the label instructions for watering. Some fertilizers need to be watered in immediately after application while others have a wait period before watering.
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Last updated: Friday, February 19, 2010
Page ID: 2673