As July rolls around in the Mid-Atlantic, it means a shift in our approach to mowing. Late spring and early summer mean weekly mows and shorter lengths as lawn growth peaks. Scorching July and August heat can mean less frequent mowing. But we still need to mow consistently to keep our lawns healthy. How often should we mow our lawns in summer?
Should I Mow Less Frequently When It’s Hot?
As summer temperatures rise, we work to stay consistent while mowing at a longer length. Consistent mowing helps keep our lawns healthy and thick. Recycling grass clippings provides a nutrient-rich natural mulch that protects grass from high temperatures and dry weather. In general, a weekly mow is still the operating principle. However, it’s essential to adapt schedules during drought conditions.
How High or Low Should I Mow in Summer?
As summer heat arrives in July and August, we take our cuts higher– three or four inches, depending on the type of grass. A higher length promotes moisture retention and helps your lawn to get the nutrients it needs from the sun. It also boosts root development, an essential part of healthy growth. Cutting too short during dry weather can damage grass blades and make it difficult to recover when cool, moist days return.
Will My Grass Get Thicker If I Mow More Frequently?
Regular mowing helps achieve a thick and healthy lawn. In the summer months, consistency and longer blade length are essential. You want a thoughtfully planned mowing schedule based on weather conditions.
How Can I Protect My Lawn from the Heat?
There are many ways we can protect our lawns during the dry summer months, starting with a higher cut as described above. Some other tips include:
- Don’t worry if your lawn turns brown in late summer. Dormancy is your lawn’s way of protecting itself during dry spells. It’s not dead and will return to its gorgeous green color when cool, moist days return.
- Keep your mower blades sharp. Sharp edges will give you a clean cut that avoids tearing at the grass when it’s most vulnerable under dry conditions.
- Irrigate as needed. Use your sprinklers early or later in the day to avoid midday evaporation. Consider a timed irrigation system to help you conserve water and maximize the benefits for your lawn.
- Don’t overwater as it can damage your lawn’s roots.
- Recycle grass clippings instead of raking and removing them. Grass-cycling turns clippings into nutrient-rich mulch and can help prevent burnout later in the summer.
- Wait to fertilize. Fertilizing dormant grass can cause damage and kill delicate blades. Instead, discuss a fall fertilization plan with your lawn care professional. Spring and fall fertilization can boost resilience during the summer.
- Overseed in the fall with new grass seeds to help create a sturdy, drought-resistant lawn for next year.
- Limit foot traffic on stressed lawns. Hardscaping can help by providing protected walkways.
How Can My Lawn Care Company Keep My Summer Lawn Healthy?
In the heart of the spring growing season, a clean, shortcut is the way to go. As the summer heat sets in, we focus on lawn health over a tight trim. At Epling Landscaping & Lawn Services, skillful mowing is our claim to fame. We know when and how short to cut every type of lawn. But our expertise goes way beyond mowing and extends into complete lawn care and maintenance. We practice healthy mowing, with conservative yet consistent care during the hot summer months and longer cuts to protect your grass. We aim to help keep your lawn healthy by adapting our practices as conditions change. We start with grass-cycling early in the season to provide nutrients early in the season. We continue our weekly mows at longer lengths as temperatures rise and adjust schedules as needed during droughts. We can also help you with year-round maintenance to enrich and strengthen your lawn.
