Summer Lawn Care Tips for Pensacola, FL

Summer brings the hottest part of the year for Pensacola, FL, and residents sure feel it. Your lawn care strategy has to change as the temperatures dramatically increase, and you want to make sure you are using the best techniques to keep your lawn healthy throughout the summer months. Follow this advice for a luscious lawn in Pensacola, FL this summer.

Water Correctly

In the harsh summer heat, proper watering and irrigation for your yard will be the crux for your lawn’s survival. Summer is the peak growing season, and grass uses each drop of moisture to grow. Grass will hoard and preserve moisture to stay hydrated as the sun bears down.

Your goal should be to water in the mornings, which allows your grass to absorb as many nutrients as possible before the heat arrives. You don’t want to water every morning; too much water kills as quickly as too little water. Instead, plan to water between ½ inch and ¾ inch two to three times a week.

Carefully observe your grass. If the lawn starts to dry up and fade, that means you aren’t watering enough. On the other hand, too much water can lead to excessive weeds, diseases, and pest infestations. A close eye can allow you to be sure you have the amount correct.

Mow to the Right Height

Summer is when you spend the most time on your tractor. Your grass consistently grows throughout the summer, and you need to adjust your mowing height based on the type of grass in your lawn. Cutting at its optimal length helps your grass thrive.

• St. Augustine - 3 to 4 inches
• Zoysia - 1.5 to 2.5 inches
• Centipede - 1.5 to 2.5 inches
• Bermuda - .5 to 1.5 inches

No matter wh grass you have, you should never remove more than ⅓ of the leaf blade. Cutting off too much of your grass height can lead to stress and cause your grass to brown.

Mowing early in the morning might seem like a good idea, but it can damage your grass. Pensacola has a lot of humidity, so dew covers the grass in the morning. Wet grass can cause your mower to slip (a safety hazard) or clog your lawn mower. It is best to wait for your grass to have a few hours of sunlight to allow the dew to evaporate.

Also, don't forget to sharpen those lawn mower blades. Dull blades will tear and shred your grass which leads to it turning brown or dying.

Fertilize Properly

When, and how often you fertilize your lawn is dependent on the type of grass you have.

• St. Augustine - This common grass must be fertilized every two months throughout spring and summer. A good plan is to feed in March, May, July, and September. You want to use 6lbs for every 1,000 square feet of lawn.
• Bahia Grass - Bahia has a similar feeding requirement as St. Augustine. Feed your Bahia lawn every two months starting from March to September. Ensuring that for 6lbs of fertilizer is used for every 1,000 square feet of grass.
• Centipede Grass - This fast-growing grass should be treated in March and July.
• Bermuda Grass - Bermuda requires a specific schedule of fertilization. The ideal summer months are June, July, and September. The goal is to have a one-month rest period followed by a two-month application of fertilizer.
• Zoysia Grass - Zoysia grass must be fertilized in June and September.

If you rely on a sprinkler system, you need to make sure it’s working properly. One method is to place cans or jars around your lawn in your irrigation zone to figure out how long it takes to fill the cans to ½" to ¾". That will let you know how long you need to run your sprinklers each time. It is also significant to make sure your rain sensors function correctly.

Summer is the peak growing season for your warm season grasses in Pensacola. Most of your lawn care revolves around mowing, watering, and fertilizing at the correct times. You’ll become good friends with your lawnmower. Other lawn care tasks, such as core aeration, tend to come throughout the spring and fall.

Enjoy your summer and remember to mow at the correct height and keep your lawn properly watered for optimal results this summertime.

If you're residing in Pensacola this Summer, learn how Pensacola Lawn Care can take care of your lawn!

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