Summer is right around the corner, which means homeowners everywhere are preparing to transition from spring to summer lawn care routines. As spring growth subsides, changing your mowing, weeding, and watering habits is an important part of keeping your lawn healthy.
In the Pacific Northwest, in particular, the warmer months can bring unpredictable weather—from warmer-than-average July days to rainy August afternoons—which means it’s important to adopt the lawn care methods that work best for this region. Ready to keep your lawn in great shape this summer? Here are the best ways to care for your summer grass in Whatcom County.
1. Stick to Local Watering Guidelines
Watering is one of the first things homeowners turn to as the days grow warmer and drier. The hotter the days, the more watering we tend to do.
The average Pacific Northwest lawn, however, only needs about 1 inch of water per week during the summer months. During weeks when there is little rainfall, watering deeply (rather than daily) helps roots grow and protects your lawn from possible drought. Watering in the morning, between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m. also helps prevent evaporation, allowing your lawn to get the greatest impact from your watering routine.
2. Fertilize
Give your lawn a shot of fertilizer during the month of June to promote a stronger, healthier root system. With more growth, your grass needs more nutrients. Fertilizing now will help your lawn keep the stress of summer heat at bay for a few more weeks.
3. Manage Weed Growth
We previously shared that treating weed growth in March helps maintain a healthy lawn throughout the season. Weeds will persist, however, and keeping an eye on those pesky intruders throughout the summer is an important part of caring for your lawn. There are a variety of methods for treating weeds, so just stick to the practice that works best for you. If your current weed treatment isn’t working, double-check to see if it is for a specific weed. Pacific Northwest lawns can be home to a litany of different weeds, which can require a broad-spectrum approach to weed management.
4. Adjust the Height of Your Mower
Taller grass fares better against the dry summer months. By bringing your mower height back up to approximately 2-3 inches, you are allowing your grass to grow deeper roots and also provide more shade for the surrounding soil.
While spring mowing kept your lawn shorter—at about 1 to 1.5 inches—it may be time to readjust that mower height and bring it back up by at least an inch.
5. Use the Right Equipment
One of the best ways to keep your summer grass looking greener is by using the right equipment for your lawn.
Using the right mower can help minimize the amount of time you spend each week caring for your yard. Western Washington lawn care, especially during the summer months, can be incredibly time-consuming. If you have a large property to maintain, consider the benefits of a Gravely Zero-Turn mower that’s easy and comfortable to operate.
Ready to take your summer grass care to the next level? Rent from Carl’s Mower & Saw, or check out our selection of quality mowers to discover the best equipment to maximize your summer lawn care.