Are you ever stumped about how to keep your lawn green in the summer? While having a beautiful, dark green lawn that is picture-perfect and ready for summer activities is something we all want, it can be confusing how to actually make that happen.
Here are some key things to do to maintain your lawn’s health and keep your grass green all summer long:
1. Apply Fertilizer
Establishing the right soil foundation is one of the most important factors in keeping your lawn healthy, which in turn keeps the appearance looking great too. The right fertilizer will feed your lawn the nutrients it needs to promote strong roots for consistent growth and weed prevention.
The optimal time to apply fertilizer for summer greening is between late May and early June, never in temperatures higher than 85° and preferably to a dry lawn. Applying too much fertilizer when the air temperatures are too high can stress and burn your lawn, leaving it yellow and dull.
If you’re lucky enough to not have a weed problem or if temperatures are above 85ºF, opt for organic lawn fertilizer. Jonathan Green Organic Lawn Food won’t burn your lawn and gently feeds it during the hot, summer months.
However, if you are experiencing a weed problem, specifically broadleaf weeds, like dandelions, clover, or chickweed, Jonathan Green Weed & Feed Fertilizer is the answer for you. It strikes at the root of the problem by getting rid of weeds and feeding your lawn the nutrients it needs to prevent weeds from growing back easily. Remember, Weed & Feed must be spread on a wet lawn so the weed control sticks to the leaves of the weeds, thus ensuring that it works effectively. Apply at a time when no rain is forecast for two to three days, as you don’t want to wash the weed control off of the lawn.
2. Water Consistently
Watering your lawn is essential, but even more essential with the brutal heat that comes in the summer months. A combination of summer sun and an inconsistent water schedule can take a toll on your lawn’s appearance, leaving it dry, patchy, and full of brown spots.
To maintain a healthy, green lawn this summer, you should aim to increase your watering schedule to four times a week, about ½ inch of water per day. This provides your lawn with roughly one to two inches of water per week, which is the perfect amount for summer. You want just the right amount of water to encourage growth in times of heat and drought.
Watering at the right time of day is also vital, as watering late in the evenings can make your lawn susceptible to lawn fungus. The best times to water your lawn are in the morning (the earlier, the better) or early afternoon. You want your grass blades to dry in the heat of the day to ensure the sun is not magnified through the water droplets. Be wary of fungus developing overnight if the water hasn’t evaporated. The water should get absorbed into the grass before nightfall.
3. Adjust Mowing Height
Mowing your lawn regularly ensures consistent growth. For summer lawn care, you want to check on the height of your mower blades.
Before you fire up that mower to get the perfect stripes, make sure your mower height is set to about three inches and your blades are sharp. This is crucial to reduce plant stress, which can happen if your grass blades are cut too short. Longer grass promotes longer root systems, giving water easier access to permeate for needed hydration during hot, summer days.
Adjusting your mower height may seem like a minor change to your lawn care plan, but it makes a huge difference that will ultimately help your grass be able to endure times of drought.
4. Stop Insects In Their Tracks
Even with the best summer lawn care maintenance methods, pesky insects can still present a threat to your perfectly green lawn.
Grubs, for example, can slowly eat away at the roots of your grass, causing unsightly brown spots throughout. Chinch bugs are another insect to look out for, as they’re smaller and harder to spot, but can ultimately kill your grass and become a nightmare for your lawn.
By spreading a uniform amount of Jonathan Green Summer Survival Insect Control, preferably between May and August, you can give your lawn the best preventative against over 100 different types of insects.
Big Takeaway
These are just a few tips that will ensure you set your lawn up for success this summer.
Whether you’ve done all of your summer lawn care prep and already daydreaming of warmer days ahead or you haven’t quite started yet and you’re worried about running out of time, rest assured you’ll be more than prepared by remembering these four things: fertilize, water, adjust mowing height, and control insects. Your lawn’s lush and vibrant appearance is sure to make everyone green with envy.
What about you? Can your lawn handle the heat this summer? Sound off in the comments below with any tips that help your lawn during the hot, summer months!
How do you tell if your mower is set at the right height? Thank you.
We suggest 3-4 inches of grass height for cool season grass. Set you mower as high as it will go on your first cut and adjust down if needed.
I put weed and feed down in early May, unfortunately it rained( not predicted in the forecast). I have clover that is spreading, can I reapply the weed and feed?
Yes. You can reapply it as it has been 6 weeks. Apply to a wet lawn when it will be under 85° for the 48 hours that the product needs to sit on the lawn. Another option is Lawn Weed Control. This is a granular herbicide only. It has no fertilizer.
Will one work better than the other?
No but this time of year, it may be best to go with Lawn Weed Control as there is less risk of lawn burn.
The Charlie weed is out of control ! We used your weed and feed but it rained 3 inches of course 0 in forecast the lawn was beautiful green but the Charlie weed is everywhere ! What can we do ?
You can use Lawn Weed Control to get rid of the Creeping Charlie!
What can I do about Annual bluegrass
(Pow annua) that has populated all through
my lawn
Recommendations For Maintenance of Poa Annua:
Avoid Overwatering
• Poa annua prefers shady and damp areas. If you water deeply and infrequently. Its shallow roots won’t be able to reach down to where the moisture is.
Set Your Mower High
• When you mow your grass high, between 3-4 inches, you make it hard for annual bluegrass to survive. Lawns with taller grass tend to have very few Poa annua problems.
Optional: Season Long Weed Preventer late August or early September if not seeding in September as soil temperatures fall below 70°F. It continues to germinate throughout winter, allowing several rounds of germination at any one site throughout winter.
• This pre-emergent will keep the seed heads that fell in the fall from sprouting in spring.
Love your product. My question is… Can I put lime down now? I notice mushrooms are starting to come up..
Organic Lawn Food is a perfect summer fertilizer. Mushrooms often pop up after a lot of rain. They are actually a sign of good organic content in the soil. You can hand pull them or they will resolve themselves when drier weather returns.