Is It Better To Keep Grass Long Or Short In Summer?

These are some tips and tricks to keep your lawn healthy during extreme heat.

Tip #1: Don't Cut Grass Too Short

Both homeowners and commercial landscape companies make the common error of cutting too short a lawn. You can only trust our professional lawn care services Lynnwood as they always work very professionally. A lawn cut too short can reduce the plants' ability for energy production. However, grass grows stronger roots when cut at the right height. This makes it more resilient to stress and supports more vigorous plants.

Different grass varieties have different growth patterns that directly affect the height of your mowing. You will need to use slightly different techniques for maintaining cool-season grass and warmer grass types.

Tip #2 Remember to Follow the One-Third Rule

It is crucial to remember the "one-third" rule when deciding the height of your grass cutting. Never cut more than one-third. This will keep your lawn cooler as less plant tissue is being removed. Cool season grasses can increase their blade height in the summer heat. Increasing the blade height to 3 inches when it is hot will have many benefits for a lawn that was cut at 2.5 inches.

Tip #3: Limit Water Intake

The need to water too much is a common misconception when it comes to grass maintenance in extreme heat. One of the most common misconceptions about lawn care is the need to water after rain. It is a good rule of thumb to remember that turf grasses prefer the dry side. You can contact our expert landscapers near Lynnwood wa for your proper lawn care. 

Wet soil can cause too many physiological problems for both plants and soil organisms. Because diseases thrive in moist environments, grassroots may be less able to absorb oxygen. The less disease you have will generally the drier the soil and grass.

Another rule of thumb is to water deeply and infrequently. Water deeply enough to reach the root zone and do not water again until it is dry. Simply "eye-it" to determine the next watering schedule. If it looks dry, water. To be more precise, water hot spots (spots that dry quicker than the rest of your lawn), and then wait for the rest to dry.

It is essential to maintain adequate hydration. However, do not water your grass every day. Lawns only require one inch of water per day, even when it rains.

Tip #4 - When in Drought

Do not mow the lawn when there is drought stress. Drought stress can cause lawns to be less resilient and may even lead to further damage. Instead, mow grass after rain or after an irrigation day. To avoid clumping, don't mow wet grass.

Tip #5: Keep Blades Sharp

A sharp blade will cut grass faster than a duller blade. The dull blades can cause damage to the plant tissue and not just cut it. This will lead to a brownish appearance on the grass and make it more vulnerable to disease and stress. Sharper blades can prevent the appearance of browning and prevent further damage to the plant.

Tip #6: Do Not Bag Grass Clippings

Use a mulching mower to return clippings to the lawn. Lawn clippings can be beneficial as they act as slow-release fertilizers for the plants as they decompose. Use a mulching mower to return the clippings to the lawn. To reduce the pollution of streams or lakes caused by nutrients from leaf tissue that has decomposed, bag clippings when you are near water bodies.

Tip #7 - Fertilizing and Cultivation You don't even need to think about it

Landscape companies and homeowners will do whatever it takes to ensure their lawn is healthy and flourishes. While fertilizing your lawn may sound good in the summer heat, it is not a wise idea. The cool season grasses consume more energy than they can produce during the summer heat. Fertilizing stimulates greater growth which in turn consumes more energy, further stressing lawns during high temperatures.

These same rules also apply to cultivation practices like aerification or dethatching. Avoid aggressive practices that cause temporary damage in the summer heat. Instead, cultivate in spring or fall when the turf can recover quickly from temporary injuries.

Tip #8 - Importance of Year-Round Health

A two-pronged approach to lawn maintenance will make it easier. Step one is to ensure your lawn's health all year. A healthy lawn throughout the year will make it more tolerant to heat. Proper fertilization, watering, and pest control are all necessary to maintain a healthy lawn that can withstand summer stresses. Step one is about your health. Regular exercise, good nutrition, and adequate sleep are key to your long-term success.

The second step of the two-pronged strategy is to apply best management practices during summer stress. These are all things that I have discussed above. Step two, which is related to your health, is similar to what your doctor recommends for you if you are ill to get well in the near term.