While taking care of your Atlanta lawn through summer, there are quite of few things to note. Summer heat in Atlanta can be intense and sometimes rainy days are few and far between. This makes it even more important to take note of Summer turf care tips to get the best lawn possible in the end. From watering to insect protection, here are 5 easy tips to help you survive summer!
1. Measuring Your Water
Making sure your lawn is receiving enough water through summer is one of the most important factors in turf care. Most lawns require about 1 to 1 ½ inches of water per week in the peak growing season. An easy way to measure the amount of water dispensed in the yard is by placing a tuna can in the area you are watering. Move the can around if your irrigation can not reach the full property and wait for the can to fill completely before moving to a new section.
2. The ⅓ Rule
When it comes to mowing, the rule to remember is known as the ⅓ rule. This simply means that you should never more than ⅓ of the blade when mowing. In order to properly follow this rule, without your grass becoming too tall, it’s best to mow every 5-7 days through the growing season. If following this rule, it is not necessary to bag clippings as they can be a healthy source of nutrients deposited back on the lawn.
3. Insect Protection
During summer, insects can be a great obstacle in between you and your dream lawn. Fire ant mounds can peak during the season which can be harmful to your family or pets. Grubs are also common when it comes to turf damage. In summer, they are fully developed and known as June bugs. In other developmental stages, they live in the soil and feed on the root systems. It’s important to protect your lawn with curative and preventative grub treatment. If using a company, always ask if this is included in your plan.
4. Fertilization
Feeding your lawn through the peak season takes a vital role in getting a lush, beautiful Atlanta lawn. Starting the season with nitrogen will help boost a rich, green color. Following through the season with adequate potassium and phosphorus fertilizers will improve the overall health of your lawn from the roots to the surface. Always follow the rate indicated on the fertilizer you are using to apply an accurate amount for your turf type.
5. Weed Control
Weeds are a huge concern when it comes to managing your landscape through summer. If you did not receive seasonal pre-emergents, Summer will always be an uphill battle. Make sure you are treating active weeds post-emergently through the summer to keep them under control. If using a company, make sure your weed program includes crabgrass, sedge control, and even service calls in between visits.
Following these tips will definitely help your yard survive summer, but it’s always a good idea to get professional help as well. With the extensive lawn care programs at All Turf Lawn Care, you can rest easy knowing your property is fully taken care of. Our monthly program includes insecticides for turf damaging insects, fire ant control, stubborn weed control, service calls, and much more. We’ve been offering lawn care service in the greater Atlanta area since 2005 and you can trust us to provide a lush, beautiful lawn. Contact us today to get a free estimate!
