School is out, plans for the family vacation are being made and summer is well underway. Another rite of summer is a lush, green lawn, and the Weed Man wants to make sure your lawn is “picture-perfect” this year. So before you head off to the beach or the ballgame, make sure your lawn is taken care of with some basic maintenance you can do yourself.
One of the most common conditions lawns succumb to in the summer is brown spots or dry drought. Exposure to long, hot days makes dryness a frequent and harmful problem.
A common misconception of homeowners is mistaking brown spots and dry drought for insect (grubs mainly) or disease damage. While this might be the cause in some instances, many times it is nothing more than insufficient watering that causes trouble for lawns.
Even after the wet spring most of the country experienced, it does not take much for grass to dry out, especially around paved areas, sidewalks or high traffic areas. Signs a lawn is starting to dry out include yellow tinting, thinning grass, and “dead patches.” While it looks unsightly and you think it will never grow back, rest assured it will with just the right amount of hydration.
Yard Watering Tips
• Morning is the best time to water your lawn and plants.
• Test your yard’s moisture level to tell if it is in need of water.
• Watering the lawn should be done every two to four days depending on the amount of moisture in the yard.
• Don’t over water your lawn – 10 to 15 minutes increments are good – and remember to move the sprinkler around to reach all areas.
You can check your yard’s moisture level with a simple test. Insert a screwdriver or other lawn tool into the surface. If you can easily insert the tool it means your yard has adequate moisture. If you face some resistance, then the ground needs additional watering.
Early morning is the ideal time for watering the lawn and other plants in your yard. Avoid watering during the sun’s peak hours, since water is wasted through speedy evaporation. Watering in the evening promotes the spread of disease, and can also attract unwanted insects. You don’t have to drench the lawn, but simply provide 10 or 15 minutes of glorious H2O to get the job done.
You should also beware of standing water in your yard and surrounding areas, as it can become a haven for mosquitoes and other pests.
So while you are packing the sunscreen for the beach or firing up the grill for a cookout, remember your lawn wants to enjoy its summer as well with regular watering.
Contact your local Weed Man (810) 937-5395 professional to ask questions or to inquire about a summer lawn inspection.
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