I mow three large lawns, which I enjoy on my zero turn lawnmower, but with these hot temperatures during the summer I wanted to share some summer lawncare tips. When it comes to summer mowing, mow it high after the Fourth of July. Just remember that slogan and your lawn will thank you and here is why. Drought resistance as taller grass shades the soil, reducing evaporation and helping retain moisture, which is crucial during hot, dry summer months. Weed suppression because taller grass competes better with weeds, blocking sunlight and limiting weed growth, reducing the need for herbicides. Healthier roots as higher grass encourages deeper root growth, making the lawn more resilient to stress and better able to access nutrients and water during hotter periods. Soil protection as longer blades shield the soil from erosion, compaction, and temperature extremes, maintaining soil health and encouraging earthworm activity. 

Reduced mowing and cutting grass less often saves time, fuel, and wear on equipment, while also reducing emissions. Biodiversity support because taller grass provides habitat for pollinators and small wildlife, promoting a healthier ecosystem. My rabbits love the white clover I have growing in my yard as it only grows to about three inches before it blooms. Cooler ground temperatures as the shade from taller grass keeps the soil cooler, reducing stress on the grass and improving its vigor. 

Now, I’m not saying let your lawn grow a foot tall, summer grass height should be around four inches tall. I mentioned this last week to a customer that likes a well manicured lawn sighting that golf courses have short grass all summer long. Golf courses also have a grounds crew that maintain that short grass on a daily basis. Underground irrigation systems that water the greens every morning between three and five o’clock as well as root stimulating fertilizers every week to maintain beautiful green fairways. The putting greens are seeded with a special Bentgrass that can thrive with frequent low mowing even in the hot summer months, but it does need frequent watering as well. I don’t think anyone wants to be spending every day watering their lawn, so mow it high and let the lawn take care of itself. 

I do have some water timers set up for my garden and flowerbed as they need even more water than my lawn. There are a lot of choices when it comes to watering the garden these days. Drip irrigation systems are quite popular, and they work well for containers and hanging baskets as well. Soaker hoses and sprinkler hoses are good options for ground watering. Soaker hoses work well when installed in flowerbeds under your mulch or stone, this way they water directly down to the roots and use less water as there is no evaporation. Sprinkler hoses are good when you need to move from area to area, like what you would do with a regular sprinkler. Water timers are great ways to water while your home or away. My garden sprinkler is set to come on for thirty minutes every morning, this way even if we don’t get any rain for a week, my garden will have enough water to continue to thrive. And always remember, if you can, water in the morning and let your plants go to bed dry to reduce the risk of fungus and slugs. Enjoy your summer, don’t be a slave to your yard and garden.