Not that we need to point this out, but it’s HOT out there! With close to no rain for the last week and very little rain in the forecast, your lawn is thirsty and if doesn’t get any water, it may start looking like french fries. Heat stress is affecting an overwhelming number of lawns this summer, leaving them looking more like a tan 70’s shag rug than the beautiful green carpet you started with in spring.
How to help your lawn during the summer
If you don’t have an irrigation system, now would be a good time to pull out the hose and sprinkler attachment. Most North Carolinians have fescue turfgrass, which is a cool weather grass. High temperatures for extended periods cause heat stress. Water in the early morning. Mid-day watering can burn the grass and evening watering can lead to brown patch disease.Regular watering and allowing the grass to grow a little taller. The taller grass traps moisture from the air and helps significantly. Mow the lawn to about 4-5 inches tall and skip a week of mowing if necessary.
How to help your lawn heading into fall
Unfortunately, the end of the season does not guarantee your lawn will bounce back. No fear. You can give that lawn new life. Have your lawn aerated, seeded and fertilized. September and October are the magical months to get your lawn ready for the rest of the year. Aeration, the process of pulling plugs of soil from your lawn, loosens the compaction of your soil, allowing oxygen to your lawn’s root system. Seeding immediately after the aeration ensures the seed will create a deep root system. The final step of fertilizing is the kick starter for your seed to provide the best conditions for the seed to open up and grow fast. Fall is the best time to aerate because it allows the lawn to spring up and then go into it dormant period, giving it a whole winter to establish a root system making it strong and better able to withstand the warm weather ahead.
Southern Exposure makes triple passes in your yard with the aerator to maximize the number of plugs and oxygen flow. Each year, we select NC State’s highest rated seed for our region, never just the cheapest. We buy in bulk so we can negotiate the best price and pass that along to the customer. Southern Exposure also selects the highest rated starter fertilizer to maximize your growing results. Many companies aerate lawns, but we strive to do it the best!
Want to get a quote for your yard? Click HERE and a get a free custom quote for you lawn with in 48 hours. It’s the best thing you can do for your lawn all year. Show it some love and be the envy of the neighborhood.
The picture above was taken three weeks after an aeration, seeding and fertilization by Southern Exposure.
