Watering your lawn during the hot summer months.

The summer heat is coming soon and we all want our lawns to be bright green for the summer. Check out The Lawhead Team’s tips for watering your lawn during the summer months.

Don’t sacrifice your lawns this summer due to heat waves. Follow these watering strategies to help your lawn withstand the summer heat:

  1. Water before the temperatures peak. It might seem like your lawn needs watering most when the temperature is at its highest, but that’s not really the case. Water attracts the sun, so homeowners who water their lawns when temperatures peak are likely to burn the lawn. Watering is best done when the temperatures are at their coolest, such as in early morning or during the twilight hours in the evening. Watering during these hours also ensures the water won’t evaporate as quickly, allowing the lawn to retain more water, which it will need to make it through a hot summer day.
  2. One size does not fit all. A typical landscape has a lawn and likely a handful of trees and shrubs. Homeowners should know that each of these different plants needs different amounts of water. Deep-rooted plants, which includes trees and shrubs, don’t need to be watered as frequently, but homeowners should spend more time watering them when the time comes. Shallow-rooted plants, however, will need to be watered more frequently but for much shorter intervals. Homeowners who aren’t sure just how much time to spend watering the plants around their property should consult a local landscaper or gardening center for advice.
  3. Don’t forget to mulch. Mulch is beneficial in many ways, one of which is due to its ability to retain moisture. Because mulch can effectively retain moisture even on hot summer days, this can reduce a homeowner’s need to water, which can be especially valuable if a water restriction has been put into effect. Mulch also prevents weed germination and growth, saving homeowners from the annoying task of removing weeds on hot summer afternoons.
  4. lawnCarefully place and time sprinklers. Sprinkler placement is important during the summer months, especially for homeowners who live in areas where water restrictions are common. Strategically locate sprinklers so no water is being wasted on sidewalks and driveways. In addition, if the forecast calls for rain, turn the sprinklers off and let nature do the work for you. Some sprinkler systems even come with a rain sensor that automatically turns the water off when it starts to rain. If less rain falls than the forecasters predicted, you can always water when you arrive home at night.
  5. Give problem areas special attention. During the dog days of summer, nearly every lawn will have one or two areas that are suffering more than the rest of the lawn. These areas might be entirely devoid of shade and, as a result, are quicker to succumb to summer heat. Water such areas by hand to ensure they’re getting enough water to help them avoid turning brown or yellow.