Summer brings warm temperatures and long days — and you need to prepare your lawn accordingly. With the right approach to lawn maintenance, you can keep your lawn looking great throughout summer.

Now, let's look at five things you can do to keep your lawn healthy this summer.

1. Get the Right Grass

Choose cool-season grass for your New England lawn. Or, if you already have cool-season grass, learn how to care for it properly.

Cool-season grass is popular in New England, due to the fact that it requires minimal maintenance and can withstand winter weather. Common cool-season grass options include:

· Kentucky Bluegrass: This soft, velvety and dark-green grass is great for lawns where there is heavy traffic. So, if you plan to host backyard barbecues and other outdoor events, Kentucky bluegrass may be right for you.

· Perennial Ryegrass: Like Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass is strong and durable. Perennial ryegrass also has a quick germination rate, so it provides an excellent option for large lawns.

· Fine Fescue: Fine fescue tends to be lighter and more shade-tolerant than other cool-season grasses. Therefore, if you want a versatile cool-season grass, you may benefit from fine fescue.

If you're unsure about which type of cool-season grass is the ideal choice for your New England lawn, help is available. By partnering with a complete grounds maintenance company, you can receive a summer lawn care evaluation, followed by a recommendation on which type of cool-season grass best suits your lawn.

2. Hydrate Your Lawn Early or Late

Water your lawn early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Hot weather can make it tough to keep your lawn hydrated. But, if you water your lawn early or late, you can beat the heat and reduce your risk of dry spots.

In addition to time of day, other factors to consider when you water your lawn in summer include:

· Amount of Water: Apply about 1 in. of water across your lawn. To measure 1 in. of water, use a rain gauge or tuna can; once the gauge or can is full, you'll know how much water to use.

· Frequency: Water your lawn at least three times a week. If you plan a summer trip, ask a family member, friend or neighbor to water your lawn while you're away.

· Sunlight: Tailor your watering schedule to different areas of your lawn. Remember, areas that remain in sunlight during the day require more water than shaded areas.

An irrigation system can make a world of difference relative to summer lawn hydration, too. With an irrigation system installed by a best-in-class lawn maintenance company, you can ensure your lawn stays hydrated in summer.

3. Know How to Mow

Raise the blade on your lawn mower. With cool-season grass, mow your lawn with the blade at 2-3 in., so you can grow deep roots and create shade that helps prevent weeds from germinating.

Along with keeping your lawn mower blade at the proper level, other factors to consider when your mow your lawn in summer include:

· Blade Sharpness: Check out your lawn mower's blades and sharpen them as needed. If you notice your lawn looks uneven after you mow it, it's likely time to sharpen your lawn mower's blades.

· Frequency: It takes about three to five days for 1 in. of grass to grow, and in summer, it helps to keep your lawn grass' length at about 3 in.. It may also be beneficial to keep your lawn grass longer in summer, so your lawn is better equipped to survive a drought.

· Mulching: Mulching your lawn can help keep its moisture levels consistent. Thus, you may want to mulch any time you mow your lawn in summer.

If you want help with mowing your lawn, a top-notch landscaping company can provide assistance. This company can mow your lawn and take the guesswork out of lawn maintenance. The result: you can enjoy a beautiful lawn in summer.

4. Avoid Fertilizer

Keep fertilizer away from your lawn during summer. It may be tempting to add fertilizer to enhance your lawn's appearance, but in many instances, doing so may actually cause your lawn to burn.

Generally, fall is the best time to add fertilizer to your lawn. In instances where chinch bugs, chiggers or fleas damage your lawn in summer, certain fertilizers can kill these insects and strengthen your lawn. However, if you need to use these fertilizers, follow the instructions and apply fertilizer only to sections of your lawn affected by insects.

The uncertainty surrounding fertilizer use can be overwhelming, but a professional landscaping company can respond to your lawn maintenance concerns and questions. That way, you can get the information you need to correctly fertilize your lawn.

5. Watch for Lawn Issues — and Address Them Right Away

Keep an eye out for damaged grass in summer. A lawn issue may seem minor, but it can escalate quickly. If you watch for lawn issues throughout summer, you can correct these problems before they cause long-lasting damage.

Summer lawn issues can cause stress, especially if you've committed significant time and energy to maintain your lawn. Thankfully, lawn care experts are available who can uncover the root cause of a lawn issue and resolve it right away. In doing so, these experts can treat damaged grass and prevent it from becoming an ongoing issue.

The Bottom Line on Summer Lawn Care

Summer lawn care can be challenging, and you may need extra help to manage your lawn during the season. Fortunately, Shady Tree Landscaping & Irrigation can take care of your lawn throughout summer.

As a leading New England landscaping and lawn maintenance company, we learn about your lawn and your lawn care goals. We then craft a plan to help you manage your lawn, so you can enjoy a lush, healthy lawn.

We're available to discuss your lawn care needs. To learn more or to schedule a consultation, please send us an email or call us today at 508-359-6082.

Sources:

https://www.thedailygardener.com/keep-lawn-green-in-summer-heat

https://properlyrooted.com/best-grass-seed-for-new-england/

https://www.naturesseed.com/blog/identifying-5-common-lawn-grass-species/

https://www.iamgreenwise.com/watering/

https://todayshomeowner.com/summer-lawn-care-guide/

https://lawnchick.com/how-often-to-mow-lawn/

https://weingartz.com/expert-advice/2014/04/when-to-sharpen-lawn-mower-blade/

https://www.scotts.com/en-us/library/lawn-care-basics/summer-lawn-care-tips

https://www.bioadvanced.com/articles/signs-summer-lawn-stress