Happy Summer!

Despite the mild spring we had, summer could still surprise us in Western North Carolina. Part of living in the mountains is that the weather can be all over the place. Hot and sunny one day? Check! Cool and rainy the next? Yep! So, taking care of your lawn can help keep it gorgeous throughout the year and make sure it can handle anything the weather throws at it. Read on for some of our summer lawn care tips!

• Mow your grass high.

When you mow your grass high, it gives it a chance to outcompete weeds and is key to helping it form deep, sturdy roots and a healthier lawn.

• Control weeds.

Weeds are a problem most of the year, but the hot, sunny summers enhance their growth, wreaking havoc on your lawn. Help control weeds by using a post-emergent herbicide that targets only the weeds you want it to. Be sure to follow all label directions, as herbicides can not only harm grass you don’t want it to, but it also has the potential to flow into waterways and storm drains which can hurt the environment and beneficial insects and animals.

• Treat for grubs.

If you’ve got a grubby lawn, chances are you’ll notice dead patches of grass and spongy, soft areas in your yard. Grubs are a natural part of the ecosystem, and they play a role in the circle of life by providing food to beneficial animals, so having a few in your lawn is often not a cause for concern. However, if you pull up some grass and notice more than 10 grubs in any square foot of your lawn, you may have a grub problem, and further treatment is likely needed. Milky spore is often very effective in controlling grubs, but there are other options such as beneficial nematodes and chemical options, but chemical options pose their own risk to the environment.

• Water your lawn properly.

To water your lawn the right way, it’s best to do so deeply, and infrequently to prevent fungus, grubs, weeds, lawn disease, or other issues that can arise when you overwater your lawn. It’s often best to water your lawn between 6 am-10 am or in the late afternoon so that it gets ample water and doesn’t all evaporate off during the middle of the day. Aim to water long enough that the water can reach a depth of 4 to 6 inches for deep, thorough watering. Be mindful of the weather when you water; if there are a few rainy days coming up, or perhaps some seriously dry days, adjust your watering and water schedule accordingly.

• Fertilize your lawn.

Feeding your lawn is critical to maintaining the health of your grass or other plants you may have in your landscape plan. Find a summer-specific fertilizer that is meant for southeastern lawns for best results.

• Regularly inspect your lawn and ornamental plants for signs of disease, stress, and over- and under-watering.

Summer can be a harsh time for lawns and landscape plants. Staying on top of potential issues can save your plants, and your money, and prevent costly replacement or disease treatment.

• Sign up for TPS Landscaping’s Turf Care Program.

We can handle all the details for you, from regular lawn care and maintenance to disease and grub prevention. Let us take care of your lawn and keep it growing and showing year-round! Learn more by clicking here!