Avoid Burning Your Lawn
When choosing lawn fertilizer, you must make sure you have the right mix. Years ago, people used primarily liquid, synthetic, fast-release, and agriculture-grade fertilizers on their lawns.
The idea behind quick-release fertilizer is to give your lawn a quick boost by releasing nutrients into the soil almost instantly . But these products often applied too much nitrogen at one time, and the microbes in the soil couldnt break it all down and the excess nitrogen often dried out grass blades and causes a burned look on the lawn.
For cool-season grasses such as Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, tall fescue, and fine fescue turfgrasses commonly used in Michigan, the quick release will not be applied during the summer months. Thats because synthetic fertilizer thats not watered into the lawn completely will cause stress and often result in lawn burn.
Diy Summer Lawn Care Vs Professional Lawn Care Service
There are pros and cons to tackling summer lawn care yourself or hiring a professional team to keep your lawn looking its best. Hiring a lawn care service, frees up your time and allows you to spend precious weekends with your family, not mowing the lawn. Professional lawn-care companies can address a variety of concerns from getting rid of weeds to helping your lawn thicken and green up or even helping with pests such as grubs, webworms, and chinch bugs. Regardless of whether you opt for a DIY approach or hire professionals, its possible to have a beautiful, green lawn all summer long. Just follow these steps, and your neighbors will be asking how you keep your grass so beautiful and how to take care of lawn grass in the summer.
Best Lawn Fertilizer For Summer
Allyn HaneNews
If you are looking for the best lawn fertilizer for summer, this is the place to start. I give you the straight talk on what summer fertilizer to apply to each grass type and why.
Looking for a way to track your fertilizer usage? Get our free lawn app where you can keep notes and even upload pics of your lawn all along the way.This is going to be a 2-part series. The first part below is going to talk about how your lawn will respond to summer stress depending upon grass type, as well as give you 2 store bought summer fertilizer recommendations, and then the second part will later this week and will give you some more funky fresh options that we have available in our stores.
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Fertilizing Lawns In Summer
Because growth of grass slows or stops during the summer heat, fertilization in the summer should be limited to times of water availability. A dormant lawn is not actively growing, so fertilization should wait until it comes out of dormancy. For lawns that are watered and remain green and continue to grow, summer fertilization can be beneficial. Usually summer fertilizers are applied at low rates to match the slow growth that naturally occurs. Fertilizers labeled for summer turf application reflect this reduced rate with lower spreader settings listed on the bag. This may amount to 25 percent to 50 percent less nitrogen used per application.
Late summer is a good time to fertilize the lawn as nights become cooler and rainfall usually occurs more frequently. Nutrients supplied at this time are available to the grass plants as they enter an active period of growth.
Watering Lawns In Summer
Cool-season turfgrasses often require supplemental watering in the summer to remain green and actively growing. During hot and dry periods, the turf needs light, frequent waterings that add up to 1/2 inch to 1 1/2 inches of water per week. Grass roots are naturally shorter during hot, dry conditions of summer, and applying too much water at that time can waste water because it simply moves past the root zone of the plants.
The best time of the day for watering is morning to early afternoon. Avoid watering in the evening — this extends the time that lawns remain wet through the night, and that can encourage fungus diseases. If summer watering restrictions are in place that ban daytime watering, then apply water to turf between midnight and daybreak.
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When To Fertilize Cool
Fertilize cool-season grasses in early fall. These fertilizers are often sold under the moniker “winterizer fertilizer.” Many lawn care professionals state that cool-season grasses can get by with just one fertilizer application per year in the fall. The fall feeding is responsible for a quick green-up in spring. For most regions where cool-season grasses grow, apply fertilizer in October or November. Make applications before grass starts to discolor with the arrival of cold weather. Check with your local extension office or a reputable garden center to discover the proper timing for your region.
Cool-season grass types include fescue, bluegrass and perennial ryegrass. Cool season grasses grow best at temps of 60 degrees to 75 degrees in areas with cold winters .
What Is The Best Top Dressing For Lawns
The term topdressing also is used for the process of applying the material. Topdressing materials are evenly applied in a thin layer, typically ¼ inch or less, for a variety of purposes. Topdressing can be used to smooth the surface of the lawn. It can reduce thatch buildup by encouraging decomposition.
How can I make my grass green fast?
The most common is dryness but excess nitrogen is another. This is most frequently from dog urine but can also come from over fertilizing. However, too much nitrogen can cause a lawn to yellow. This is because it burns roots and changes the pH of the soil.
When should I apply 10 10 10 fertilizer to my lawn?
Apply the first spring application when new growth begins and the second application 30 days later. Apply the first fall application after the grass’s fast summer growth slows and the second application 30 days later. Mow your lawn three days prior to spreading the fertilizer.
Can I use fall fertilizer in summer?
The recommended time to apply fertilizer is in the fall where it can help boost early spring growth. Applying fertilizer in summer can spur sudden new growth and if that new growth isn’t supported by additional water and other measures, the new growth withers and dies.
What is the best time of year to fertilize a lawn?
What is the best fertilizer ratio for lawns?
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Don’t Trim Your Lawn Too Short
It can be all-too-tempting to get your brand new lawn mower out of the box and get a little trigger happy with that trim. So before you go all Edward Scissorhands on your grass, consider leaving it a little longer than you would usually, and learn how to mow a lawn like a pro.
Our very own Lindsey Davis, editor-in-chief, Real Homes explains that: ‘Longer grass shades itself well, and protects it root system better so it reduces moisture evaporation.’
And, Thomas Monson, owner of Monson Lawn & Landscaping concurs. He says: ‘Most lawns would benefit from being left just a little higher than you would normally cut them. Cutting your lawn too low can damage the grass and lead to a patchy or uneven-looking lawn. By leaving it taller, your lawn will look greener and fluffier over the long term.’
While McIlroy says: ‘We advise you to begin mowing your lawn during spring, meaning that your lawn should be at a good height. Aim for a height of 10-15mm for fine, ornamental lawns or a slightly longer 25-40mm for more hardwearing, family -friendly lawns.’
Is It Ok To Fertilize Lawn In Hot Weather
Fertilizing lawns in warm weather should be timed to minimize stress on the grass plants. Hot weather can create stress for lawn grass much as it does for human beings. Fertilizer stimulates the grass to grow but can also chemically burn the blades if applied improperly.
What fertilizer should I use on my lawn in summer?
Feeding in the early summer helps strengthen the lawn so it can better withstand heat and drought conditions that commonly occur during the summer. Scotts® Turf Builder® releases its nutrients slowly over time, making it the go-to fertilizer for all grass types.
How do I stop my grass burning in the summer?
Miracle Gro All Purpose Lawn Food Scotts Turf Builder Lawn Food Safer Brand 9333 Ringer Lawn Fertilizer Milorganite 0636 Organic Nitrogen Fertilizer
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Learn the ins and outs of lawn irrigation, including expert tips for efficient watering.
A day or two before applying fertilizer, water your lawn thoroughly. After grass dries, apply fertilizer. Then lightly water again. This second watering is vitally important, because it washes fertilizer off grass blades and into soil. You can also time fertilizer application between rainfalls to let rain wash fertilizer into soil. Just be sure you don’t fertilize before a downpour, or you may wind up with fertilizer washing away, especially if your lawn slopes. Avoid applying fertilizer during a drought when a lawn has browned or withered from lack of moisture.
Best Time To Fertilize Lawns
Fertilizer your lawn at the right time of the year
Fertilizing your lawn can keep it looking lush and green. Whether you have warm weather or cool weather grass, fertilization is almost always a must for maintaining a great lawn.
Fescue
Fescue lawn should never be fertilized in late spring or summer. For best results, fertilize your lawn before the end of April and then again in October.
Bermuda
Bermuda can be fertilized throughout the summer to keep in looking lush. Be sure to fertilize in June and August, and if needed, apply fertilizer in July as well.
Zoysia
Zoysia should be fertilized in the beginning of the summer and again in August for the best looking lawn.
St Augustine
St. Augustine should be fertilized in the summer. To keep you lawn green, fertilize in June and August, and if needed, apply fertilizer in July as well.
Centipede
Centipede lawns usually require only one summer application in July. If needed, the turf can be fertilized in May as well.
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Tackle Outdoor Pests That Can Damage Your Lawn
It’s tough enough finding the time to weed, sow and mow your lawn . But add vermin and bugs into the mix, and you’ve got the perfect storm for a less-than-perfect turf.
‘Pests and insects such as Japanese beetles, June bugs, or European chafers that munch on your grass, producing withering and bare spots are pretty bad for your lawn,’ says Lively.
‘Take necessary action as soon as possible. Japanese beetles will feed on your grass and deposit eggs, which will hatch into grubs and begin munching on your grass if left untreated. Apply a preventative grub control product to get ahead of the game. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.’
If you’re not sure what bugs might be making lunch plans on your lawn, we’ve got a comprehensive guide on how to identify bugs. And, if you’ve spotted strong-smelling pee in your backyard , find out how to deter foxes, as they’re the most likely offender.
‘Foxes often leave noticeable patches on the grass where they urinate. This happens because their urine is high in nitrogen, which can be useful in small amounts, but not so much if the animal insists on using the same spot again and again,’ says Paul Dawson, managing director, Rolawn .
How Much To Fertilize
Apply between 2 and 3 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet each year during the growing season. If you dont use Total Lawn Food, be sure to check to ensure the fertilizer is approved for use on Bermuda, Zoysia or Fescue. Look up our exact fertilizer recommendations per grass in our Lawn Maintenance Guides.
To do the math on specific fertilizer rates for your lawn, visit our blog post on How to Calculate Fertilizer Rates.
Follow the schedules below to ensure youre fertilizing during the appropriate months of growing season.
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Types And Options Of Fertilizers
Two main fertilizer alternatives are available: organic and synthetic. Synthetic fertilizers are manmade and will easily raise the grass because it drops the nutrients directly into the dirt. There are three components of the form of fertilizer.
There is nitrogen to help good leaves and roots. Potassium ensures water balance within the plant is maintained. Phosphorus will help deeper, stronger roots grow in your turf.
The jar or bag may display numbers that are correlated with certain nutrients, named the NPK number. Of course, other ingredients may also be included. They are made of calcium, magnesium, sulfur, and copper.
Plant fertilizers contain natural materials, such as fish meal, soil, or manure. They use the NPK method, as well. Many people think its normal, and it may be healthier for pets and adolescents.
Still, most people believe organic fertilizer is a soil conditioner rather than lawn fertilizer. Although in the long run, this could be helpful, it wont help you green up your lawn for the season.
Cool-season grasses also respond better to organic fertilizer if they are to be applied in the summer. The grass is not burned or nervous. In autumn, organic fertilizers can not be used on cool-season grasses and should be used in fall or spring.
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Bermuda Grass Fertilization Tips
Bermuda grass lawns require regular feeding for healthy growth. If youre in Arizona or another high desert region, we recommend fertilizing at least once per month during the summer. Use complete fertilizer thats high in nitrogen but offers a medium amount of phosphorous. The following formulas usually work well for Bermuda grass:
- 21-7-14
- 16-8-4
- 20-5-5
Once your lawn is 100% filled in, you can switch over to a slow-release or organic fertilizer to help slow the growth but maintain healthy vigor and color.
Evergreen Turf is Arizonas one-stop shop for sod lawns. We offer an assortment of residential and commercial sod products, and our experienced staff can even install your lawn for you. Stop by our Chandler, Arizona location, and let us know what we can do to help you improve your lawn!
This entry was posted on Wednesday, May 23rd, 2018 at 3:33 pmand is filed under Arizona Sod Landscaping. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.
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Sharpen Your Lawn Mower Blades
You wouldn’t expect your hairstylist to use a blunt pair of scissors at the salon, so why treat your lawn this way? If you’re finding that your lawn isn’t as verdant as it should be, it might be down to the garden equipment you’re using.
Whether you’ve got a large or small lawn mower, make sure to check the machine’s shearers, taking extra care not to hurt yourself. And, if you’re not sure, it’s worth looking at our step-by-step guide on how to sharpen lawn mower blades.
‘Having sharp blades on the lawn mower will help them give you a closer and more even cut.’ says Jen Stark, founder of Happy DIY Home
‘In turn, you can wait longer between lawn cutting sessions. You also lower the risk of damaging the grass and leaving brown, patchy areas.’
Using A Broadcast Or Rotary Spreader
A broadcast or rotary spreader works well when you’re fertilizing larger lawn areas. Before filling the hopper, make sure it’s closed. It’s a good idea to fill it on a tarp, so you can easily gather any spilled fertilizer. Apply fertilizer around the perimeter of the lawn first, and then start to move back and forth across turf in an orderly pattern. Overlap application strips slightly to ensure that you cover the whole lawn evenly with fertilizer.
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Related Articles
A well-kept lawn adds greatly to the charm and beauty of a garden. While being attractive on its own, a well-kept lawn is also the perfect setting for shrubs, ornamental plants, flowers and other garden features. Fertilizing the grass regularly helps to maintain dense, lush growth, and a monthly dose of a 10-5-10 fertilizer is ideal during active summer growth. However, the type of fertilizer you use and the season can determine how often you need to feed the lawn.
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Tools And Equipment For Taking Care Of Your Lawn In The Summer
Taking care of your lawn in the summer doesnt require too many tools. It is important to keep your lawn mower in good working order to reduce additional stress and damage to your grass:
- Regularly sharpen the blades to ensure that the mower is actually cutting the grass, not tearing it, which can weaken the blades
- Set your blades higher in the summer. Cool season grasses should be cut to about 3-4 inches, while warmer season grasses such as bermudagrass and centipedegrass should be mowed at 2-3 inches. If you have a St Augustinegrass lawn mow it at 3-4 inches tall. Cutting the grass too short can damage it and make it more susceptible to heat damage.
The other important tool for summer lawn care is a good irrigation or watering system. Unless you have built-in sprinklers, you will need at least one high-quality sprinkler that can water your lawn evenly. If you have a larger yard, invest in several sprinklers to save time and prevent having to move the sprinkler.
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