Did you think that keeping your sprinklers on all summer, every day, 24/7, is the most effective way to maintain a lush, green lawn?
Actually…. that’s 100 percent not true. Overwatering is dangerous for your lawn. However, a bogus need for constant watering is one of the summer lawn myths that won’t go away, mainly due to misinformation and outdated lawn care practices. Why do certain summer lawn myths live on despite new science and information? Let’s examine some of the most common summer lawn care myths and how to combat them with sound advice that will help us navigate the season with a gorgeous and healthy lawn.
Summer Lawn Myth #1: You Should Water Your Lawn Every Day
Reality: We’ve all seen it: some folks get a little too attached to their sprinklers and want to keep them on all the time. Overwatering is one of the worst things you can do for your lawn. It can create tons of problems: fungi, runoff, insect infestations, yellowing grass and rampant weed growth. Too much water also weakens your grass roots, so what you want is a harmonious balance of deep watering, air and sunlight.
Expert Tip: Instead of nonstop sprinkler action, one of the best approaches is infrequent, dewatering. This approach helps deliver water to your lawn’s root zone, encouraging healthy root growth. It also helps aerate the soil and prevent compacted soil. For best results, water deeply once or twice a week rather than daily. Your target should be 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week (including rainfall), so there are times when you just need to step away from the hose. You can use a moisture meter to determine when your lawn needs water or simply walk across the lawn and check for footprints, a sign that your grass needs water. A rain gauge can help you determine whether you need to supplement Mother Nature’s watering plan with your trusty hose or sprinkler setup.
Summer Lawn Myth #2: You Should Always Bag Your Grass Clippings
For so long, bagging grass clippings was considered a must for a neat-looking lawn. But we’ve come to learn the benefits of leaving clippings on the lawn — but not willy-nilly. Mulching with grass clippings requires know-how and the right equipment.
The Reality: Grass-cycling, or leaving tiny clippings on the lawn, acts as a natural mulch and fertilizer for your yard.
Expert Tip: Using grass clippings as mulch is a genius idea. It’s free, convenient and helps your lawn stay healthy. Leaving short clippings on your lawn helps preserve moisture, prevents weed growth and adds nutrients back into your soil. Professional grade mowers have a mulching blade that breaks clippings into fine pieces and distributes them as we mow. The microorganisms in the soil break them down, and voila–more food for your grass. It’s one of the most significant benefits of regular professional mowing.
Summer Lawn Myth #3: Shorter Grass Is Better For Summer Heat
We tend to want to go super short when mowing our lawns in summer. But short cuts and dry summer heat don’t mesh.
The Reality: You actually want your grass to be taller in the summer. Cutting grass too short in the hot summer months stresses your lawn. Keeping your grass taller helps you keep vital moisture in the soil during the dry summer months and helps prevent weeds.
Expert Tip: Every lawn is unique and has distinct needs based on its climate and grass variety. For example, cool-season grasses like fescue and Kentucky bluegrass should be cut longer (usually 3.5 to 4 inches in the summer). Warm-season grasses, such as Bermuda grass, can be cut shorter, around 2.5 inches, unless we’re experiencing a drought. If it’s extra hot or dry, you’ll want to set your blade higher for extra length. A general rule is to only cut one-third of the length of your grass.
How Can My Lawn Care Company Help Me Separate Fact From Fiction?
Summer is usually when we enjoy our lawns the most. It’s also the time when they’re at their most delicate. So, you want to treat them with mindfulness and care. It’s one reason why working with a professional lawn care team can offer numerous benefits. Epling Landscaping and Lawn Service has got you covered. Let us focus on managing your lawn’s health and curb appeal throughout the summer so you can enjoy it to the fullest.
