It’s been an exceptionally hot spring and early summer here in the Chattanooga region, which makes it easy for homeowners to neglect their lawns.
Waiting for the beginning of the fall season for significant maintenance will make your home look neglected and could diminish its value. A healthy lawn will make your home stand out and help strengthen the overall value of other homes in your neighborhood.
Below are key lawn tips for watering, weeding and keeping your grass clippings to spruce up your lawn during the hot summer months in the Tennessee Valley.
Watering
A rich, lush lawn in the summer requires regular hydration. Ensuring your lawn is watered regularly will help with the growth and nutrition of your lawn.
If possible, your lawn should have at least an inch of water once a week from manual or natural irrigation.
While it’s tempting in the summer months, try not to overwater your lawn. Overwatering will eventually prevent your lawn from fertilizing properly.
The best time of day to water is in the morning before the heat of the day prevents the moisture from saturating the soil. Before establishing your watering routine, check with your local municipality and HOAs for any restrictions regarding watering your lawn.
Weeding
No matter how pristine your lawn might be, grass is susceptible to weeds. The seeds from weeds carry with the wind and can land on your lawn.
Throughout the summer, conduct visual inspections of your lawn for potential weeds. The sooner you remove weeds, the less likely they’ll overtake your lawn and become a nuisance. If you get rid of weeds as soon as you see them, there will be less of an opportunity for them to grow substantial roots and take over the soil.
Your lawn might be stressed with the summer heat, so use herbicide sparingly to prevent further damage to a delicate lawn.
Lawn clippings
Mowing your grass will create clippings, which you should leave on your lawn. Grass clippings provide nutrients for your lawn and have the same benefits of lawn food.
Since clippings are mostly water, they will break down easily and disappear after you mow. Plus, keeping clippings on your lawn will save you the hassle of bagging them for the landfill or curbside pickup. If you have a compost pile or mulch, you can add the clippings for extra material.
To find a professional who can help you maintain your lawn, visit the Home Builders Association of Greater Chattanooga at www.HBAGC.net.