Protect Your Lawn from Summer Scorch

As summer temperatures soar, your lawn can suffer from heat damage, leading to brown patches, wilting, and overall stress. At Nutri-Lawn, we understand the importance of maintaining a lush, green lawn even during the hottest months.

Here are some tips and insights to help you protect your lawn from the adverse effects of extreme heat.

Recognizing Heat Damage

Heat damage in lawns typically manifests as:

• Brown or yellow patches: These are often the first signs of heat stress.
• Wilting grass blades: Grass may appear limp and lifeless.
• Thinning turf: The lawn may start to thin out as grass struggles to survive.

Preventive Measures

1. Water Wisely: Your lawn needs about 1 inch of water per week. Watering deeply and infrequently encourages deep root growth, making your lawn more resilient to heat. Early morning watering is best to minimize evaporation and prevent fungal growth.
2. Mow High: Keep your mower blades set to a height of 2.5 to 3 inches. Taller grass shades the soil, reducing evaporation and keeping the roots cooler1.
3. Aerate and Power Rake: Aeration helps improve soil compaction and allows water and nutrients to reach the roots more effectively. Power Raking removes the layer of dead grass and organic matter that can prevent water from penetrating the soil.
4. Fertilize Appropriately: Avoid heavy fertilization during peak heat. Instead, use a slow-release fertilizer to provide consistent nutrients without overwhelming the grass.

Dealing with Heat Stress

If your lawn is already showing signs of heat stress, here are some steps to help it recover:

• Reduce Foot Traffic: Minimize walking on stressed grass to prevent further damage.
• Spot Watering: Focus on areas that are particularly dry or damaged.
• Avoid Mowing: Let the grass grow a bit longer until it recovers from the heat stress.