5 Summer Lawn Care Tips for Lakeland, FL Residents

Summer is finally here in Lakeland, FL, and it’s time to enjoy all of our favorite activities. The first item on everyone's list is hosting a backyard barbeque. You are going to want a beautiful, green lawn when you entertain your family and friends. Take some time out this summer to follow these tricks for a luscious Lakelawn, FL lawn.

1. Mow at the Right Height

Mowing your lawn extra short can prolong the time before your next mow, however, that doesn’t help if your goal is a healthy lawn. The removal of more than a third of the grass at a time can put too much stress on your grass, causing it to turn brown or even die.

Make sure to sharpen your blades so that they can make a clean cut. Dull blades will shred and tear the grass, causing it to turn brown and fray. Most warm-season grasses need a height of 2.5 to 3 inches throughout the summer. You might think that’s too high, but taller grass gives the roots time to grow deeper in search of water.

2. Leave the Grass Clippings Behind

Don’t throw away grass clippings as they are a valuable resource for your lawn. Redistribute the clippings throughout your yard. This process is called grasscycling, and it acts as a natural fertilizer.

Grass clippings are a natural source of nitrogen. Nitrogen is one of the essential nutrients your grass will need to grow actively throughout the summer. The clippings decompose quickly, so by the next time you mow, they’ll already be part of the soil.

3. Make Sure the Grass Has Water

Lakeland heat can be scorching at times. Your lawn must receive at least one inch of water per week. A rain gage or a straight-sided can will allow you to track the amount of water received by rainfall and irrigation each week.

You don’t want to water every day. Instead, water deeply and less frequently because it encourages the roots to grow deeper into the soil. Drought-tolerant roots are a good thing in a sub-tropical climate.

Make sure you water early in the morning to reduce evaporation. If you water during the peak heat, the sun’s powerful rays can burn your grass. Picking the right time to water also discourages fungal diseases.

4. Apply Fertilizer

Summer is a crucial time to fertilize your warm-season grass. Over-fertilizing your lawn can scald your grass. Ideally, you should start fertilizing in early spring while the weather is warming up. You should also plan to fertilize your lawn in the middle of summer.

If you are unsure of what your lawn needs most, call your local extension office to perform a soil test. Nitrogen is a critical nutrient for your lawn, but you must be careful. Too much nitrogen can attract pests, but low levels of nitrogen might encourage damage from bugs and grubs.

5. Keep an Eye Out for Pests and Diseases

Even a well-maintained lawn can have a pest or disease problem. Water stress can cause brown and bald patches. If you see patches, new or old, you should watch them. Insect and fungal issues can also damage your lawn. If you notice a fungal problem developing, the summer is a good time to apply a fungicide.

Another problem that Lakeland, FL lawns face is the southern chinch bugs, which attack lawns in the summer and the fall. Chinch bugs suck the moisture from the grass, killing off patches throughout your yard.

While you can treat chinch bugs yourself, it’s sometimes easier to request a professional to treat severe infestations. It is crucial that you dethatch your yard following treatment because chinch bugs love areas with a lot of dead roots, stems, and grass clippings.

Your main goal is to support your actively growing lawn throughout the summer. Lakeland’s weather can be extreme at times, so providing the right support is crucial. Make sure you are mowing the right height and watering appropriately. Pay attention for pests and disease. Your lawn will be lush and green throughout the summer.

If you're in town in Lakeland this Summer, learn how Lakeland Lawn Care can service your lawn!

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