Every year, the summer comes with scorching heat and some rainfall. However, the showers that are experienced during this season normally don’t last long and the drought soon ensues. In extreme weather conditions such as these, maintaining a well-manicured lawn can undoubtedly be a complicated process.
There are certain parts of the United States where drought poses a major problem than in other states. More than 93 percent of the total land area in the states of Nevada, Colorado, Utah, and New Mexico experience some level of drought. It is also estimated that about 69 percent of Utah and 61 percent of Colorado are in severe drought. Other states such as California and some parts of Florida also perennially experience drought during certain months of the year, particularly during the summer.
If you live in any of these states, taking good care of your lawn in the summer can be very challenging. However, there are certain things you can do to make your lawn maintenance easier during the dry season. Fortunately, at Cerullo Landscape, our lawn specialists have put together a number of great tips to help you keep your lawn looking fabulous in the summer season.
Things to do In Preparation for The Drought Season
Install a Water Collection System – Installing rain barrels on your property is a great way to take advantage of the rainy season and store enough water to keep your lawn well maintained during the dry months in the summer.
Set Up an Irrigation System – Having your own irrigation system provides you with maximum convenience since it allows you to control the frequency of lawn watering as well as how much water to use during the summer.
Choose Drought-Resistant Grass For Your Lawn – There are certain types of grasses that thrive well in drought-prone areas. These include buffalo grass, fescue, and Zoysiagrass. Growing one of these types or other varieties that are native to your area will make it easy to maintain your lawn during the dry summer months.
Ensure Your Soil is in Prime Condition – Soil quality is an important factor to consider when it comes to lawn maintenance. This is especially true during the summer months when the soil is likely to be patchy and have less moisture. Testing your soil prior to the summer drought will help you prime it for easier lawn maintenance.
Things to do When the Drought is in Full Effect
Here are ways you can keep your lawn well maintained once the summer drought is in effect:
Reduce Foot Traffic – Compact soil is not ideal for lawn maintenance, particularly during the dry summer months when hydration is a major problem. To protect vulnerable parts of your lawn from soil compacting which could damage your lawn, seal off these areas from foot traffic.
Look out for Signs of Stress and Disease – The summer months tend to be particularly stressful on most plants and grasses and your lawn might be susceptible to diseases during this time. It is important to ensure that your lawn is healthy enough to brave the dry season when ushering in the summer. Some of the tell-tale signs of stress and diseases that you should look for include thinning, darkening, or wilting of grass on your lawn.
Use a Higher Setting When Mowing – One of the common mistakes that most homeowners make when mowing their lawns during summer is using their mowers at a low setting when mowing. This can cause unnecessary stress and damage to the grass. Ideally, your mower should be set at about three inches as this will allow you to give your lawn a clean buzz-cut without damaging the roots of your grass.
In case you live in an area that perennially experiences chronic drought, keeping your lawn well-maintained can be an expensive and frustrating process. However, there are certain measures that you can implement to make it less draining. These include:
Reducing the Size of Your Lawn – Downsizing your lawn to what you can comfortably maintain can help you cut down on the rigor and cost of keeping it properly primed if you live in a severely drought-prone area. You will not only be able to save on water costs but also still get to have an aesthetically pleasing lawn.
Switching to Artificial Grass – While artificial grass may not be everyone’s cup of tea, if you live in a desert environment, this might be the most practical option for you. Maintaining a lawn carpeted with artificial grass is much easier, and you can still find a variety that looks very similar to organic grass.
Hire Lawn Maintenance Experts
At Cerullo Landscape, we have a team of experts who specialize in lawn maintenance. Contact us today and let us help you care for your lawn effectively during the summer drought.
