Hot Weather Coming – Extreme Heat tips for Lawn Care

 Lawn care in the extreme heat is going to be slightly different from your usual routine.

It probably comes as no surprise that heat waves can have a negative effect on your landscape. The hot sun can cause plants and grass to burn, wilt, and suffer if they are not properly cared for.  The Milwaukee and Mequon Lawn care experts can share some lawn care tips on mowing and watering for these hot summer days.

Lawn Watering and Irrigation

Your lawn may require daily watering during the hottest of days, but 2 times a week is usually all it needs.  If you are experiencing days with temps over 85 degrees you should probably water your lawn an additional 1 or 2 times a week.  It is important to keep an eye on your lawn during extreme heat and look for Wilting or curled up grass, grass that doesn’t pop back up after being walked on and of course yellowing.

Watering your lawn in the morning will allow the water to soak down into the roots rather than evaporate in the sun, nighttime watering may lead to fungus growth.  We still want deep root systems.  Keep in mind that if you water too often, the roots will have no need to grow deeper and your lawn will rely on frequent watering to sustain it.  If you encounter one or two days of extreme heat, you may not really need to water your lawn any differently.

Mowing

Taller grass is more drought resistant.  Keeping your grass at 2-3 inches is ideal.  Your grass will be long enough to fend off weeds better and trap the water comes in  from rain and irrigation systems.  It will also help keep enough shade over the soil to help slow evaporation causing you to need to water less often and helping promote deeper roots.  Regular mowing is important, try to make it so your mower is only cutting off 1/3 of the grass height at a time with sharp blades.  You want to cut the grass rather than ripping the tips off.  Prevent fungal spread by mowing on a dry lawn.

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