The summer heat has come in full force in the Carolinas with temperatures consistently hitting the ‘90s and heat indices making it feel even warmer. While this can make it unbearable to be outside for any extended period of time, it can also wreak havoc on your lawn. Homeowners strive to keep their property looking as nice as possible, but what can you do when the temperatures soar and there is little relief in sight?
Fear not, there are some ways that you can be proactive in protecting your lawn and keeping grass healthy.
- Leave grass longer. If you usually set your mower blade to 2.5 inches, consider raising it to 3 or 3.5 inches. Longer grass helps roots to grow deeper and helps to protect soil from excessive evaporation. Don’t forget to use a sharp blade for a crisp cut as well.
- Mulch lawn clippings. Rather than picking up grass clippings, use a mulching feature on your lawn mower so the remnants can help nourish existing grass as they decompose. It will encourage growth but at a slower pace than if you were to apply a fertilizer.
- Plant drought-tolerant grass. If you live in an area where you know you’ll see a minimal amount of rain during the summer or showers are few and far between, consider investing in drought-tolerant grass that will stand up better to the conditions. It can be easier to manage and maintain.
- Water first thing in the morning. Your grass needs about an inch of water per week. Water early before the day heats up to allow moisture to soak in before it evaporates. Consider doing a deep watering once a week rather than surface watering daily. Watering every day can actually do more harm than good because soil does not have a chance to dry out at all. This is the same reason you should avoid watering later in the evening—there is no sun to help dry things out, so it increases the risk of disease.
Also, if you have cool-season grass such as Fescue or Kentucky Bluegrass, just because it turns brown does not necessarily mean it’s dead. It may go dormant to try to protect itself in extreme heat. While having a brown lawn may not be as appealing, remember that it will spruce up later in the summer when cooler weather returns.
The HOA should work with its landscaping company to determine the best solutions for keeping the property looking its best during peak summer heat. Landscapers may also have other recommendations for homeowners as well to maintain their lawns.
Kuester partners with HOAs and vendors to support improved operations that meet the best interest of the community and adhere to established budgets and expectations. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help your HOA this summer and all year round.
