Release Date: July 5, 2002
Contact: Mike Maddox, Dane County UWEX Horticulture Agent,
608-224-3715
Summer Lawn Care
Madison - As we progress into summer, temperatures rise and the rains
typically become less frequent. Growing conditions become less favorable and
turfgrass growth slows. Hot, dry weather can cause considerable stress for
the cool season grasses. However, proper care during stressful periods can
help to maintain a healthy, good quality lawn.
Sound mowing practices are necessary for good quality turf. This is
especially true during the summer months. Improper mowing during hot, dry
weather may seriously damage the cool season grasses.
Mow lawns at a height of 3 to 3 1/2 inches during the summer months. During
cool weather in spring and fall, lawns should be mowed at a height of 2 1/2
to 3 inches. The additional leaf area during summer shades and cools the
crowns of the turfgrass plants. Extremely high temperatures at crown level
can kill turfgrass. Raising the mowing height during the summer months also
discourages turf diseases, such as summer patch.
When mowing the lawn never remove more than one-third of the total leaf area
at any one time. A lawn mowed at a height of 3 inches should be cut when it
reaches a height of 4 1/2 inches. Removing more than one-third of the leaf
area weakens the turfgrass and reduces its capacity to withstand additional
environmental stresses. Weakened turf is also more likely to be invaded by
weeds.
If possible, mow in the cool of the morning or evening. Mowing during high
temperatures of midday places additional stress on the turf. Also make sure
the mower blade is sharp. Dull blades tear and bruise the leaf tips. A good
rule of thumb is to have the mower blades sharpened three times each year.
Gardeners have two basic options on lawn care when confronted with hot, dry
weather. One option is to simply allow the turf to turn brown and go
dormant. The alternative is to properly water the lawn to maintain green
turf during dry weather.
Lawns survive extended periods of drought by going dormant. Most healthy
lawns can survive in a dormant state for 4 to 6 weeks without rainfall or
irrigation. Healthy lawns that have been allowed to go dormant will green up
again when the turf receives sufficient water.
Gardeners who want a green lawn throughout the summer should water the lawn
when symptoms of moisture stress begin to develop but before the grass
becomes dormant. A good indicator of water stress in turfgrass is leaf
color. The normally green leaves become a dull blue- green. Additionally,
water-stressed turfgrass is less resilient. Footprints remain in the turf
after walking across it.
Turfgrass requires approximately 1 to 1 1/2 inches of water per week. The
actual amount of water required depends upon the soil type and weather
conditions. When irrigating turfgrass, the general rule of thumb is to water
deeply but infrequently. A thorough soaking (which moistens the soil to a
depth of 8 to 10 inches) once a week is much better than frequent, light
applications. Watering deeply promotes the development of deep root systems.
Deeply-rooted turfgrass can withstand stressful weather conditions much
better than shallow-rooted plants.
The best time to water a lawn is early morning. Winds are generally light
and temperatures cool so little water is lost through evaporation. Watering
at midday is less efficient because large amounts of water are lost through
evaporation and strong winds may cause uneven water distribution. Strong
midday winds may also carry the water onto driveways and streets and waste
considerable amounts of water. Watering the lawn in the evening or at night
may increase disease problems.
If you have further questions regarding lawn care, or any other landscape or
garden question, please call (608) 224-3721 or e-mail
<mailto:>.