How to Maintain a Healthy Summer Lawn

With the days at their longest and the rains at their most infrequent, summers can wreak havoc on your lawn. The sun bakes the grass all day, potentially turning it brown and brittle and making it more susceptible to damage due to disease, critters, and weed infestation. By following these simple steps, you'll be able to maintain a lush, green, and healthy summer lawn all season long.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Soil Test Kit
• Mulching Mower

1. Test Your Soil
   
   Each lawn is a unique environment. Testing the soil in your yard allows you to determine what you need to do to improve its health and appearance. Test kits typically cost $10-25 and are available at your local extension office (see link below under "Resources" to find yours). The agent who tests your soil will be able to tell you the nutrient and PH profile of your soil, as well as your soil type. They will also most likely be able to recommend amendments (such as lime or fertilizer) to bring your soil up to it's healthiest. A healthy summer lawn starts with healthy, nutrient-rich soil.

2. Feed Your Lawn Correctly
   
   Typically, lawns only need feedings twice a year--once in Spring and once again in the Fall. Slow-release fertilizers work best by lasting all season long and not burning your lawn upon application. You may also consider adding a 1/2-inch layer of compost to your lawn in Spring to increase the topsoil thickness and act as a sponge for moisture and nutrients.

3. Water Smartly
   
   In most areas of the country, watering your summer lawn everyday is not necessary. About an inch a week, or 1/2 inch every 2-3 days is all your lawn really needs. Water early in the morning, at about sunrise. If your lawn is too moist, the grass will suffer from root rot, and the dampness creates a welcome environment for weeds and fungus. Watering during the day can burn the grass blades as the water magnifies the suns rays. You'll also be wasting more water because it will evaporate in the heat before soaking in to the soil. Watering later in the day also encourages fungal growth overnight.

4. Cut Right
   
   Improper mowing can stress your summer lawn and make it susceptible to disease and infestation. Keep mower blades sharp for clean cuts, and only cut when necessary. Your local extension service or nursery will be able to tell you the proper length for your type of lawn. Use the mulching setting on your mower, and leave clippings on your lawn after cutting--the cuttings provide nitrogen to the soil. Mow when grass is dry to avoid mounds of cuttings that can smother your lawn.

5. Don't Force It
   
   Grass does best when in full sun at least part of the day. Perpetually shady areas are not lawn-friendly. Consider cutting back bushes or branches for a better environment for the grass. If this isn't possible, consider some other type of ground cover for shaded areas, such as moss, ivy, flagstone, or gravel.

6. Control Your Pets
   
   Pet urine quickly causes brown patches due to the high concentration of nitrogen. Nitrogen is only beneficial to grass in very small concentrations. If you do see your pet urinating on the lawn, attempt to hose down the area for a few minutes immediately after, in order to dilute the nitrogen and minimize damage.

Tips & Warnings

• It's a lot easier to maintain your lawn than to start anew. Keep up the work and you'll have a healthy summer lawn that's the envy of all your neighbors.
• Read all instructions on fertilizers so as not to burn your lawn upon application.
• Keep children and pets away from compost and fertilizers.
• Wash hands after working on your lawn.

Resources

• eHow Home and Garden Topic Guide
• Find Your Local Extension Service Here

[tracysmith159]

on 10/3/2009 Good article and great photo. Thanks for sharing useful information on keeping a health lawn in the summer.