Lawn Care Tips for Helping Your Grass Survive Hot Weather

Keeping your lawn healthy during hot weather requires strategic care. Water deeply but infrequently in the early morning to promote deep root growth and reduce evaporation. Use slow-release granular fertilizer to avoid burning the grass, and avoid fertilizing cool-season grass when dormant. It's also important to minimize foot and machine traffic to prevent additional stress on your lawn in Tennessee. Raise your mowing height and follow the 1/3 rule to protect the grass from damage and promote healthier growth.

Water your lawn properly to help it survive hot weather.

One of the most crucial aspects of maintaining a healthy lawn in hot weather is proper watering. The key is to water deeply but infrequently. This approach encourages the roots to grow deeper into the soil, which helps them access moisture more effectively and withstand drought conditions. Aim to provide about one inch of water per week, either through rainfall or irrigation.

Timing is also important. Watering in the early morning, ideally between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m., allows the grass to absorb moisture before the heat of the day causes evaporation. Morning watering also reduces the risk of fungal diseases, which can occur if grass remains damp overnight.

Fertilization strengthens your grass to help it withstand hot weather conditions.

Fertilization is another critical factor in helping your grass survive hot weather, but it must be done carefully. Opt for a slow-release granular fertilizer, which provides a steady supply of nutrients without overwhelming the grass. This type of fertilizer reduces the risk of burning your grass, a common issue with quick-release fertilizers in high temperatures.

If you have cool-season grass, avoid fertilizing when it is dormant. Fertilizing during dormancy can stress the grass further and lead to nutrient runoff. Instead, focus on fertilizing during its active growth periods in the spring and fall.

Limit Foot Traffic on Your Lawn During the Summer

During hot weather, your lawn is already under stress, and additional pressure from foot or machine traffic can exacerbate the problem. Try to minimize foot traffic as much as possible, especially in areas that are showing signs of stress or wear. Encourage family and guests to use designated pathways or patios instead of walking directly on the grass.

If you must use equipment on your lawn, such as a lawn mower or sprinkler system, be mindful of the impact it can have. Avoid mowing or operating machinery during the hottest parts of the day, as this can further stress the grass.

Observe healthy mowing practices to help your lawn withstand hot weather.

Proper mowing practices are essential for maintaining a healthy lawn during hot weather. One of the best strategies is to raise your cutting height. Taller grass blades provide shade for the soil, reducing evaporation and allowing the roots to retain moisture. This also helps in suppressing weed growth, as the taller grass can outcompete weeds for sunlight.

Avoid mowing if your grass is drought-stressed or dormant. Cutting the grass under these conditions can cause additional damage and hinder recovery. Follow the 1/3 rule: never remove more than one-third of the grass blade length in a single mowing session. This practice prevents shock and promotes healthier growth.

Give us a call today to enroll in our lawn fertilization service!

With the right lawn care practices, you can help your grass survive and even thrive during hot weather. Let our team help take care of your lawn! At Herbi-Systems, we offer lawn care services to keep your grass healthy during the summer, including lawn fertilization. This service involves multiple visits to your property throughout the year to ensure your grass receives enough nourishment to maintain its health and vitality.

We proudly serve commercial and residential property owners, as well as HOAs, in Memphis, Collierville, Germantown, and throughout the surrounding areas in Tennessee. Give us a call at (901) 382-5296 to enroll in our lawn fertilization program.