As the summer continues, my lawn care routine has mostly revolved around the basic tasks of mowing and watering. These practices are crucial for maintaining turf health, especially as temperatures rise.
In an effort to help my lawn better cope with the summer heat, I raised my height of cut from 3.25 inches to 3.5 inches. The theory behind this adjustment is that a taller blade of grass provides more shade to the soil, helping to retain moisture and keep the root system cooler. I’ve honestly haven’t seen much of a difference in my lawn’s appearance. It’s a good reminder that every lawn responds differently, and sometimes the expected benefits of a particular practice might not always apply.
Beyond the basics, I’ve been consistently incorporating humic acid and kelp into my lawn care regimen, applying them about every two weeks. These organic supplements are fantastic for soil and plant health. Humic acid helps improve nutrient uptake and soil structure, while kelp provides a rich source of micronutrients and plant hormones that can boost stress tolerance. I like that these products are organic, eliminating the risk of burning the lawn, which can be a concern with some synthetic treatments, especially in hot weather.
My last full fertilization was around Memorial Day. Given the current heat and the desire to avoid pushing excessive growth that could stress the lawn, I’ve held off on further major feeding. It’s better to be cautious with nitrogen-heavy fertilizers during peak summer temperatures.
A couple of weeks ago, I noticed the tell-tale signs of brown patch emerging in certain areas. To combat this, I applied Scott’s Disease-X, a common fungicide. Catching and treating fungal issues early is key to preventing them from spreading and causing more extensive damage. I’ll be monitoring the affected areas closely to ensure the treatment is effective.
Despite the ongoing lawn care tasks and challenges, I’ve been making the most of the beautiful summer weather. There’s something truly enjoyable about spending time outdoors with family and appreciating the beauty of the season before the inevitable arrival of cooler temperatures.
What lawn care challenges or successes have you experienced this summer?
