Your lawn survived the first two months of summer, but that doesn’t mean it’s time to let your guard down. The final few weeks of summer can be the hottest and driest of the year, and homeowners need to continue routine maintenance so their lawns can be ready for the non-growing season. Here are three things you can do right now to keep your lawn happy and healthy for the rest of the year. Better yet, call us, and we’ll do it for you!
1) Mow wisely
The end of summer means fewer hours of sunshine, which translates to fewer nutrients for your lawn. Your lawn also may need the strength to survive what could be a cold and punishing winter. Mow your grass when it’s around 3 inches tall, then leave the clippings right where they are. By doing this, you can ensure that your grass doesn’t lose any valuable nutrients.
There are benefits to using a mulching lawn mower. The right amount of mulching will create clippings that are over eighty percent nitrogen, and can provide up to a quarter of an average lawn’s fertilizing needs. By allowing you to mow and fertilize at the same time, a mulching lawn mower can do wonders for your lawn!
2) Invest in an efficient sprinkler
Any landscaper knows the importance of an efficient, effective sprinkler. With a number of states currently in the middle of a drought with no foreseeable end, it’s increasingly important to make the most of your water supply. By choosing the right sprinkler for your lawn, you’ll be doing what’s best for your landscape, your budget, and the environment.
An oscillating sprinkler works best for most rectangular lawns, and their range covers average lawns between 4000 and 5000 square feet. For smaller lawns, try a stationary sprinkler that moves in a circular pattern. Owners of larger lawns should use a pulsating sprinkler, which has high pressure that can cover up to 10,000 square feet.
An irrigation system is really the best option for most homeowners. Blue Tree can install a system that will eliminate the need for you to worry about when, where and how much to water. Call us at 610.222.0590 for more information.
3) Test your soil’s pH
You should routinely check the acidity levels of your soil, but the final few weeks of summer is an essential time to have it done. A neutral pH is vital for preparing your lawn for the autumn and winter months, and allows it to have the most optimal growing season when next spring rolls around.
Homeowners should use either a home testing kit or the help of a local soil acidity professional to determine their soil’s pH. The ideal soil pH at the beginning of autumn is roughly 6.5, although this number will slightly vary across regions.
Gardens and lawns are living things that need care and attention the whole year round. By taking a few simple steps this August, you can rest assured that your lawn’s next growing season will be off to a great start!