Helping Grass Survive the Summer and HOT Temperatures TIPS

Some types of grass do better in high temperatures, but all are likely to suffer as the thermometer rises during the hottest months of the year. Keeping the lawn healthy can be a challenge.
For those battling hot days, scorching sun and the occasional drought, HGTV offers suggestions for keeping the lawn healthy and green until cooler days return.

Keep Grass Longer – Keeping grass a little longer in the heat of summer helps, The roots extend deeper into the earth, keeping weeds from coming up and competing for water. And because the turf is denser, it requires less water.

Sharpen Mower Blades – A sharp blade is always important, but never more so than during hot summer months. Dull blades cause grass to fray. Frayed grass is far more likely to brown.

When to Mow – Mowing less frequently and cutting early in the day or holding out until the sun begins to go down. Freshly cut grass is more likely to sustain damage in the hot sun and keeping the lawn cool will cut down on those brown spots.

Mulch – Instead of bagging grass clippings, use a mulching mower. Allowing mulched grass to settle into the lawn will help trap moisture, keeping the lawn cooler and better hydrated. A mulching mower can be beneficial to the lawn all year long but is especially helpful for beating the summer heat.

Fertilizing – Depending on the type of grass, you can probably skip fertilizing during the summer. If your lawn is having trouble, before you get into fertilizers, have the soil tested first to see if there are deficiencies. If fertilizer makes sense, look at organic, time-release fertilizers to avoid burning your lawn.

When to Water – Most lawns require about an inch of water per week to stay healthy. An irrigation system is ideal for lawn hydration, but no matter how the lawn is watered, time of day makes a difference. Watering during the hottest part of the day will not damage grass, suggests some experts, but rapid evaporation can be an issue. Deep, infrequent watering during morning hours allows moisture to be more efficiently absorbed by the root system.

Information brought to you by HGTV article