(BPT) – The sun is shining and temperatures are rising across the country, signaling that summer is in full swing. Summer can present some unique challenges for lawn care, but with the right strategies and a few useful tools, you’ll save time and have the best yard on the block.
The lawn care experts from Husqvarna share these simple steps to help your yard thrive through summer and beyond:
Mow but not too low
The golden rule of mowing during summer: Don’t over mow. Longer grass develops deeper roots while also shading the soil, which helps it survive the heat and drought. Set your lawn mower to a high setting before trimming those blades of grass.
Even though you should mow higher, that doesn’t mean you should let your grass go wild. Strive not to remove more than a third of the blade at a time to prevent clumpy clippings. More frequent mowing, trimming a little at a time, is best. Keep in mind cool-season grass like Kentucky bluegrass and fescue varieties should be kept at about 3-4 inches and warm-season grass like Bermuda grass and St. Augustine should be kept at about 2-3 inches.
If mowing regularly in the summer heat doesn’t appeal to you, try to do it in early morning when temperatures are cooler or explore robotic mowers that do the work for you. The Husqvarna Automower® uses smart technology and hidden boundary wires to cut your lawn a little at a time. It mows quietly in any weather (even rain) to evenly cut your entire yard without you having to lift a finger.
Water wisely
Hot temperatures paired with limited precipitation are tough on grass. Growth slows and color begins to fade as it struggles due to the elements. That’s why it’s important to provide supplemental water when Mother Nature doesn’t do it for you.
Keep in mind, how and when you water is important to keep your lawn healthy, save money and preserve natural resources. If your lawn isn’t getting one inch of water a week you should water with a sprinkler. Longer, periodic waterings provide deeper saturation to the roots than frequent, minimal sprinkles. Additionally, water early in the morning to avoid evaporation and discourage fungal growth, and always follow your city’s watering regulations.
Not sure if you need to water? Try to push a 6-inch screwdriver into the lawn. If it goes in easily, your lawn is hydrated. If it doesn’t go in or only goes in a bit, it’s time to water.
Trim and tidy
Having green grass is an essential first step for getting a yard your neighbors will envy, but it’s important to pay attention to your landscape elements as well. Start by looking at mulch and rock beds to see what has shifted and could use some tending, adding fresh material as needed.
Next, trim overgrown bushes and shrubs. Using tools like hedge trimmers, brush cutters and string trimmers you’ll be able to quickly tidy overgrowth with minimal effort. These are power tools that either use gas or electric. Gas is the traditional choice, but many homeowners are now exploring quieter, rechargeable battery-powered options. With Husqvarna battery-powered lawn tools, all batteries are interchangeable so you can build a collection of tools that work together seamlessly.
For trees, the most important thing to keep in mind is branches that touch your home. Anything that comes in contact with the building should be removed, so use a lopper or branch trimmer to clean up trees. If there are larger branches or a tree needs removal, you may need the help of a professional and should request quotes.
Tackle tough weeds
A weed and feed fertilizer is a good way to nourish grass while also eliminating weeds. However, this should only be used when weather is cooler and ideally when rain is in the forecast in the next few days. If it’s below 85 degrees and a sprinkle is likely in the near future, apply granular fertilizer. If these conditions don’t exist, avoid treatments altogether because hot, drought weather will cause them to burn the lawn.
Your next option is to pull the weeds yourself. There are tools to help you do so by hand, some even allowing you to stand up while getting rid of bothersome broadleaf weeds like dandelions. Remember, when you remove any weed, include the root. If you only remove what’s visible above the soil, the weed is likely to come back.
Weeding, trimming, watering and mowing are the four main steps to keep your yard lush and lovely throughout the summer months. Remember, whether you have questions, are researching tools or need to get your mower blades sharpened, Husqvarna dealers are always available to help.
