Caring for your Lawn in Hot Weather

In hot weather, it's important to take the right steps to care for your lawn. Kansas City summers are known for extreme heat, and this summer of 2011 is no different. As the weeks in July and August carry on, here are a few reminders for how to keep your lawn looking nice despite the summer heat:

Don't Mow your Lawn Too Short

Make sure to not mow your grass too short in hot weather. The sun and heat will kill grass, and especially when it's cut too short. Instead of a nice, looking green lawn - the sun will scald and dry out your grass, causing it to turn brown and die. To prevent dead grass, keep your lawn a little longer in the summer to trap in moisture and endure the heat. A good goal is to set your mower between 2.5-3 inches and not mow if the grass is shorter than that.

Watering Your Lawn in Hot Weather

If you have new grass, make sure to keep your sod watered through heat waves. If you are planning on watering the grass, make sure to water the grass long enough! Lightly watering will cause the roots to become shallow and not grow deep enough for healthy growth. It is best to soak your lawn so the water sinks in deeper less frequently rather than daily watering your lawn in small amounts. If you property fertilize your grass in spring and fall, you may not need to water your lawn, as the roots will be strong and healthy enough to grow deeper and gain moisture from the soil.

When To Water your Grass in the Heat

The best time to water your lawn is in the early morning or at dusk. A good goal is to give your lawn about 1 inch of water every 3 days. You may choose to water your yard while holding a garden hose, but investing in a high-quality is recommended, as it will help you make sure each section of your grass is watered evenly and adequately.

Avoid the Fertilizers in Summer

Chemical applications should be used in spring and fall. This will help keep your grass at optimum health. It may be tempting to lay fertilizer if your grass begins to brown, but resist the urge and increase your watering and grass blade length. Fertilizing the lawn in summer will take away from the grass's main goal of growing deep, healthy roots to sustain the heat, and actually backfire on you.