The summer months bring lots of stress to our lawns from the hot sun beating down on them. This can cause the grass to turn brown and dry out. Many people are not sure how to tell if their lawn is stressed from the heat, or what to do about it. In this blog, we will go through tips on how to help your heat-stressed lawns this summer.
Do high temperatures cause lawn stress?
Yes, high temperatures do cause stress on your turf. The heat experienced during summer put extra stress on the lawn as the sun’s rays can cause moisture to evaporate from the soil more quickly. When water is unable to fully sink into the soil, it makes it harder for roots to access water. In addition, the heat can cause grass blades to turn brown and wilt.
How to Know if Your Lawn is stressed From Heat
There are several symptoms that can indicate your lawn is heat-stressed. The first is when you see your grass blades turning brown and wilting. This is caused by the lack of water in the soil. Another symptom is when you see your lawn starting to thin out or patches of grass dying. This is usually due to the roots not being able to access enough water. If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to take action to help your lawn recover.
How can I help my heat-stressed lawn?
There are several things you can do to help your heat-stressed lawn recover. The first is to make sure it’s getting enough water. Some ways to help your heat-stressed lawn are to:
- Water your lawn: Make sure to water your lawn deeply and thoroughly, making sure the roots are getting moistened. The best practice is to water during the morning hours to reduce evaporation and not to agitate turf disease.
- Reduce foot traffic: avoid causing further damage to weak and sensitive grass blades during extreme temperatures.
- Regular Inspections by a Pro: By having a professional on your lawn on an ongoing basis, they’ll be able to spot problems with insects or diseases early on before they become a major threat to your lawn’s survival. That means you’ll be able to start treatment early and restore your lawn to good health.
- Mowing: Don’t mow the grass too low – keep the mower setting higher during heat stress to create a better barrier between the sun and the soil. Do not remove more than 1/3 of the grass blade at a time to prevent shocking your lawn.
- Aerate your lawn: Aerating your lawn helps the roots access more oxygen and water. You can do this yourself with a garden fork or you can hire a professional. This should be done in the Spring or Fall.
Taking extra precautions during this sensitive time frame can make the difference between protecting fragile grass and killing it altogether. While the elements will inevitably affect your lawn, take control with proper lawn care.
How Often Should I Water My Heat-Stressed Yard?
You should water your heat-stressed lawn more frequently than you would a healthy lawn. How often you water will depend on the type of grass, the amount of sun, and the temperature. Generally, you should water your heat-stressed lawn 2-3 times a week for 30 minutes to an hour. If you have an irrigation system, it is important to make sure it is working properly and that the sprinklers are not over-watering your lawn.
Professional Lawn Care
If your lawn is heat-stressed, it is important to take action to help it recover. By following these tips, you can help your lawn to withstand the summer heat. If you can’t seem to revive your heat-stressed lawn and you’re looking for professional lawn care, look no further than Go Green! We’ll help revive your lawn and keep it looking its best year-round. We service Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and Maryland. Check out our locations to see if we service your city!
