The summer heat has started here in San Antonio and during the summer season it can be challenging to maintain a healthy lawn.
At J. Ponce and Son Landscaping we are share some essential lawn care tips to help you keep your lawn in great shape during the summer:
Watering
Water deeply and less frequently: Water your lawn deeply once or twice a week rather than shallow and frequent watering. This encourages deeper root growth and helps the grass become more drought-resistant. Pay attention to those water restrictions!
Water in the early morning: Watering during the cooler parts of the day reduces water loss due to evaporation and ensures the grass has enough time to dry, preventing disease development.
Mowing
Set your mower at the right height: Adjust your lawn mower to a higher setting during the summer. Taller grass provides shade to the soil, reducing water evaporation and promoting deeper root growth. This can sound like a simple task but it’s important to be done by the specialist; a beautiful lawn is an investment that requires good care.
Mow regularly: Regular mowing helps to maintain a neat appearance and prevents the grass from becoming stressed.
Fertilization
Use slow-release fertilizer: Apply a slow-release or controlled-release fertilizer during early summer. This provides a steady supply of nutrients to the grass over time, promoting healthy growth without excessive flushes that can attract pests or burn the lawn.
Follow proper fertilization schedules: Follow recommended fertilization schedules based on the type of grass you have to avoid over-fertilization and to protect water sources from excess runoff. At J. Ponce and Son Landscaping we offer all about lawn maintenance, seasonal fertilization, and more.
Weed Control
Control weeds early: Deal with weeds before they spread and compete for water and nutrients with your grass. Hand-pulling or using targeted herbicides can help keep weed populations in check.
Mulching: Applying a layer of mulch around trees, shrubs, and garden beds can help suppress weed growth in those areas, reducing competition with your lawn.
Shade and Protection
Provide shade for vulnerable areas: If certain parts of your lawn receive intense sun exposure, consider providing temporary shade with an umbrella or raised shade cloth to protect the grass during the hottest hours of the day.
Avoid heavy foot traffic during peak heat: Try to keep foot traffic to a minimum during the hottest parts of the day to prevent further stress on the grass.
Aeration
Consider aerating your lawn early fall or next spring: Aerating helps improve soil compaction and allows water and nutrients to reach the grassroots more effectively, promoting healthier growth. You can learn more about Aerating in our article about “Benefits of regular tree maintenance, lawn dressing, and aeration”.
Monitoring and Maintenance
Keep an eye out for pests and diseases: Regularly inspect your lawn for signs of pests or diseases and take appropriate action if needed to prevent further damage.
Maintain lawn equipment: Keep your lawn mower blades sharp and other equipment well-maintained for clean and efficient cutting.
We hope we have provided useful information to use to your advantage. Contact us for more information! J. Ponce and Son Landscaping has more than 20 years of experience.
Tell us about your project. We’ll be happy to help you have the lawn of your dreams!