A lush green lawn is a quintessential image of summer. However, the heat and sunshine can dry out your grass, which is why you need to stay on top of lawn maintenance. Sticking to a few tried-and-true rules will ensure your lawn is the envy of the neighborhood and achieves a healthy, green color.

Summer Lawn Maintenance Tips

1. Mow High

You may have been taught to mow your grass low so it looks well-manicured, but come summer, it’s not the best idea. Taller blades of grass have deeper roots and provide greater soil shade. This means the soil can more easily retain water, and roots can travel deeper to reach moisture deposits. Leave blades at least 3 inches tall for the best results.

2. Water Deeply, Not Frequently

Rather than watering a little bit every day, you should focus on watering deeply several times each week. When you only water your lawn a little at a time, the sun will quickly draw the moisture from the soil. Watering deeply ensures moisture sinks deep into the ground so your grass has time to absorb it. You should provide roughly an inch of water each week. For the best results, program your sprinklers to water between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m., when sun exposure is weakest.

3. Keep Your Soil Fed

Your lawn absorbs most of the nutrients you feed it within six to eight weeks, so you’ll need to replenish its supply throughout the summer. Invest in a quality fertilizer with weed control. Fewer weeds lead to cooler soil — a better environment for grass to grow — and nutrients will help grass grow thick and strong. Purchase a product from a reputable lawn maintenance store that contains an even balance of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.

A sprinkler system is a convenient way to alleviate the burden of lawn maintenance. If you’re ready to install one, turn to Emerald Coast Landscaping in Orange Beach, AL. Their skilled staff is trained in the latest techniques and has more than 16 years of experience offering irrigation installation and repair services, as well as landscape design, so you can keep your lawn in top shape this summer. Call (251) 269-8128 to speak with a representative or visit their website to learn more about their services.