Take care of the lawn during extreme heat
As temperatures rise, so should the care of the yard’s lawn and landscape. However, it’s important to ensure the yard is healthy before a heat wave hits.
The healthier the grass, trees and shrubs, the more resistant it will be to summer’s extreme temperatures. Lawns, in particular, that have healthy grass leaves and deeper roots, are able to store more moisture.
The following can help protect a yard during a heat wave:
• Put the right plant in the right place. Always select appropriate plants and grass for the climate zone. Consider water, sunlight or shade requirements for the yard.
• Water at the right times. The best time to water the lawn and plants, is in the early morning or late evening, when its cooler.
• Don’t over water. It’s OK to make grass work hard for its water. With little water, grass will send its roots deeper, seeking water. Also, most turfgrasses – and there are hundreds of species – will go brown during summer months, where water is scarcer.
• Know what type of soil there is. The frequency and amount of water you applied to lawns and gardens vary, based on its soil, clay type, organic matter, and the type of plants and grass. Some soil holds water better than others; water molecules cling to fine particles of clay soil than to the coarser particles of a sandy soil.
• When mowing, don’t cut more than one-third of the grass height. By keeping it longer, turfgrass can develop stronger roots, and a greater tolerance to heat and drought stress.
• Keep foot traffic minimal. For already stressed grass, foot traffic can cause damage.
