How Do I Keep My Grass Green In Hot Weather?

The excitement of warmer weather and the annual migration from the indoors to the outdoors is what keeps many going during the winter months. Friends and family gather for backyard parties that include barbeques, ice cold drinks, and kids running around and playing on the grass. As your lawn begins to bake in the heat and the increased wear and tear from pets, kids, and everyone else moving around you may feel like having yellowing, dried out lawn is inevitable. Having a healthy, green lawn that is the envy of your neighbours is possible, here are a few tips to help you get started.

Ensuring you have a healthy lawn throughout the summer months begins well before the hot weather arrives. A healthy lawn is more likely to withstand the hottest summer days and any potential droughts that come as well. Fertilizer should be spread out over your lawn in early to mid-spring as this is when the soil temperature rises and allows for the absorption of the nutrients. Mid-spring is also a good time aerate your lawn, breaking up the hard soil and allowing for air to enter the ground. Spreading another round of fertilizer at the beginning of summer is a good idea as well as this will ensure a nutrient-rich lawn as the temperatures increase.

How and when you mow your lawn can drastically affect the health of your turf. You should adjust your lawnmower so no more than the top third of your grass blades are removed. This will allow your grass to establish stronger, deeper roots that can reach moisture deep in the ground, even on those really hot and dry days. Cutting grass actually stresses your turf, the more of the blade you remove, the more vulnerable your lawn will be to disease and insects.

Frequent watering is not required to maintain a healthy, green lawn. Occasionally watering your lawn for a slightly longer period of time will encourage your lawn to grow longer roots, which will help during those dry periods. Watering your lawn in the early morning will reduce the amount of water lost due to evaporation and the cooler soil is able to absorb more of the water. A built-in irrigation system is a convenient way to ensure proper watering of your lawn. With an irrigation system, you can set the watering schedule and the system takes care of the rest, no more over or under watering your lawn.

Overseeding your lawn several times a month will help keep your lawn looking full and healthy. The new grass will help fill in bare or thinning areas and this will prevent weeds from filling in those spaces.

Ensuring your lawn is healthy and green all summer long doesn’t need to take up all of your free time, following these easy ways to improve your lawn and you will still have time to enjoy the backyard parties with your friends and family.