Lawn care services in South Carolina commonly get questions involving how to keep a lawn healthy during the summer months. The Sandhills and Piedmont regions of the Carolinas are especially known for playing host to stifling temperatures and inconsistent weather that can pose a threat to the beauty and health of your grass and shrubs. The good news is that you can take action to help your yard weather the heat during these hot summer months.
Stop scalping your lawn
Keeping your lawn well-maintained and healthy doesn’t necessarily mean that it has to be cut as short as possible. In fact, it’s best to keep the grass at a reasonably high length during the hot summer months. The benefits of doing so are two-fold:
- Taller blades of grass have more surface area, which means that they can absorb more sunlight in the heat of the day. Through the process of photosynthesis, this increased amount of energy ensures that your grass is able to better produce its own nutrients.
- Taller grass creates better shade for the soil and root system. When you live in Pageland, Jefferson or Monroe and go weeks at a time without adequate rainfall, this shade helps keep in moisture and prevents the sun from torching your lawn’s root system.
Leave the grass clippings
Some homeowners obsess over collecting every clipping of grass that they cut. And of course, we all know that huge mounds of grass are unsightly! But there’s no harm in leaving a layer of short clippings on the lawn. The spent blades of grass will eventually break down, providing your lawn and soil with vital nutrients.
Fertilize when possible
While fertilizing your lawn is typically most beneficial at the beginning of a season, it can still provide an advantage if your lawn isn’t getting adequate nutrients from other sources. Consider talking with your local lawn and garden store or consulting with a local lawn care company to provide a recommendation based on the composition of your soil and the type of grass that dominates your lawn.
Seed patiently
Patches of grass that aren’t growing properly can be treated by re-seeding the affected area. However, it’s important to be patient in this process, and only re-seed the area once per season. The process of the grass taking root is very taxing on the soil. Re-seeding the area multiple times when you don’t see results from the previous treatment is a recipe for overworked soil.
Keep weeds & debris out
Weeds and sticks aren’t just unsightly; they can also damage your lawn by depriving it of sunlight and important nutrients. Doing a weekly walkthrough of your yard and removing weeds, pinecones and other debris can help you identify potential issues before they become problems.
Ensure the yard stays hydrated
When drought-like conditions exist and your lawn isn’t getting enough water, no amount of seed or fertilizer will make it grow. The best remedy in these situations is to introduce a level of manual hydration to the lawn. Whether using a garden hose or a more advanced irrigation system, keeping your grass watered in the harshest of conditions helps it thrive. If your yard gets a lot of direct sunlight, consult with a local landscape installation professional to get a recommendation on an irrigation configuration that will work for your lawn.
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Whether you’re wanting to impress the neighbors at the upcoming cookout you’re hosting or ensuring that your family has a nice place to relax outside, we hope you’ll find this information useful as we move through June and into July. While cultivating a beautiful and healthy lawn is rewarding, we also understand that it’s difficult. That’s why we’re here to help you meet your goals. Contact us with any questions or to get an estimate.