Summer is just around the corner, and that means hotter temperatures are on their way. The summer sun can wreak havoc on your lawn, so your lawn needs regular attention to keep it looking healthy and lush. If you want your lawn to stay looking its best when the weather gets hot, now is the time to start preparing. Here are a few tips to help get your lawn ready for summer.

1. Water your lawn regularly, especially during hot weather

Watering your lawn is one of the most important things you can do to keep it looking healthy and lush during the summer sun. Lawns need at least 1 inch of water per week, preferably from rainfall or a sprinkler system. If you don’t get enough rain where you live, be sure to water your lawn regularly. 

An irrigation system is the best way to water your lawn, as it waters evenly and at the correct depth. The timer, or controller, can be set to automatically water your lawn on a preset schedule, saving you time and hassle, and ensuring that your lawn gets the water it needs.

If you don’t have an irrigation system, water your lawn using a garden hose and sprinkler.

TIP: The Rain Bird LG3HE provides the durability and precision of a professional grade pop-up sprinkler that connects easily to your hose. 

2. Mow your lawn at the right height - not too short or too tall 

Mow your grass to a height of 2-3 inches. If you mow your grass too short, you will damage the grass and it will be more susceptible to heat stress, drought, and weed invasion. If you mow your grass too tall, you will increase the likelihood of scalping (cutting off too much of the blade), which can also damage your lawn.

Depending on the season and the kind of grass you have, you may need to mow once a week or more frequently during the peak of Summer. Not only does regular mowing help to keep your grass looking its best, but it also helps to prevent weeds from taking over. In addition, mowing helps to distribute nutrients evenly throughout the lawn, which is essential for promoting a healthy growth habit. So, if you want to keep your lawn looking its best, be sure to give it a good mow on a regular basis. 

3. Add fertilizer to keep your lawn healthy and green 

Fertilizing your lawn keeps weeds away and encourages healthy growth. A good, all-purpose fertilizer should be applied to your lawn every 4 to 6 weeks. Be sure to read the instructions on the package carefully, as not all fertilizers are created equal. Some fertilizers are made for cool season grasses, while others are designed for warm season grasses.

4. Aerate your lawn every few years to improve water drainage

Anyone with a lawn knows that proper watering is essential for keeping the turf looking green and healthy. But did you know that water drainage is also key? Over time, water can pool in certain areas of your lawn, leading to unsightly patches and damaging the roots of your plants. One way to improve water drainage is by aerating your lawn every few years.

Aerating your lawn is a simple process that involves punching small holes in the soil to allow water and air to circulate. This helps to improve water drainage and encourages healthy growth. Aerating your lawn can be done with a manual aerator, or you can rent an aerator machine from your local home improvement store.
Remove any debris, such as leaves or branches, from your lawn

5. Remove any debris, such as leaves or branches, from your lawn

Keeping your lawn free of leaves, twigs and other debris not only makes your lawn look neater, it also helps to prevent weeds from taking over. In addition, removing debris helps to promote healthy growth by allowing air and water to circulate freely. Plus, it makes it easier to mow.

6. Keep your lawn edged and trimmed

A neatly trimmed lawn makes a big difference in the overall appearance of your property. By keeping your lawn edged and trimmed, you can quickly and easily get rid of any overgrown areas or unsightly weeds. And it only takes a few minutes each week!

A manual trimmer or edger is the easiest way to keep your lawn edged. If you have a lot of trees or other vegetation on your property, use a chainsaw or gas or electric hedge trimmer to keep them trimmed and under control.

7. Add a layer of mulch

If you're looking to give your garden and beds a little boost, adding a layer of mulch is a great way to do it. Mulch helps to suppress weeds, retain moisture, and keep the soil temperature cooler in summer and warmer in winter. It's also an easy way to give your beds a tidy, finished look. There are lots of different types of mulch available, so you can choose one that best suits your needs. For example, to add fertility to the soil, compost or manure would be a good choice. If you're trying to control weeds, straw or bark chips would be better options. And if you're just after aesthetics, decorative mulches like stones or wood chips can add a nice finishing touch.

8. Use a weed killer to get rid of unwanted plants

Weeds can be a real nuisance, especially when they start to take over your lawn. If you're having trouble getting rid of weeds by simply pulling them, using a weed killer is a good alternative. There are many different types of weed killers available on the market, so be sure to choose one that is compatible with the type of grass you have.
Apply a weed killer according to the instructions on the package. Be sure to wear protective clothing, such as gloves and a mask, when using a weed killer. And always read the safety precautions carefully before using any type of chemical.

9. Sweep your driveway and sidewalks to keep them clean

When your lawn maintenance is complete, keep your driveway and sidewalks clean. Sweep them with a push broom or use a gas or electric blower to easily remove grass clippings, leaves and dirt. This not only keeps your property tidy, it also helps to prevent debris from getting stuck in between the cracks.

10. Put out a sprinkler to cool off on hot days!

While not a requirement for regular lawn maintenance, when the temperature starts to rise, nothing feels better than running through a sprinkler. Kids and pets will especially appreciate their own, miniature water park. And the extra irrigation will provide a good drink for your freshly manicured landscape.

The summer sun can take its toll on your lawn, so be sure to give it the attention it needs early on to stay looking healthy and lush through the season. Follow these tips and you’ll be well on your way to having a beautiful lawn this summer!