In Western Washington, when summer arrives homeowners can quickly increase their water bills trying to prevent their lawns from yellowing. For more than 30 years our team at Carl’s Mower & Saw have worked to educate homeowners to protect the health of their grass in the most efficient and economically effective ways possible.

To enjoy your lawn during the most beautiful months of the year, there are six lawn care tips homeowners should follow for an effortless summer yard. Taking these actions in June will specifically help Western Washington homeowners save on the cost of water while protecting the health of their lawns in July and August.

C3 vs. C4 Grass and Why it Matters

What’s the difference between C3 and C4 grasses? Pacific Northwest homeowners in Western Washington have cool-season grasses with three-carbon compound photosynthetic processes known as C3. Cool season grasses require different maintenance than warm season grasses that have four-carbon compound photosynthetic processes known as C4.

Just like humans, grass needs carbohydrates for energy. These carbs are collected and used (or stored) to power photosynthetic processes. The time, money and energy spent on lawn care should factor in the stressors that prohibit grass from thriving. This includes understanding the photosynthesis of grass and how it uses carbohydrates to guide best practice protocols for lawn care.

What stresses C3 grass?

  • Heat
  • Bugs
  • Fungi
  • Over/Under watering
  • Cutting too close to the roots
  • Impact

Aerate

In early June, during a dry week, get the aerator out and run it over compacted soil to help thin the root systems encouraging roots to grow deeper into the soil. Thinning roots strengthens the remaining roots by increasing oxygen and nutrients. Aerating your lawn also allows water to more deeply saturate the soil so it holds moisture for longer periods of time, reducing the need for frequent watering— consequently lowering your water bill.

When temperatures begin to rise in areas that are home to C3 grass, their carbohydrate production drops off as much as 50%. Grass relies on their carbohydrates to bounce back from stressors like heat, bugs, fungi, and low mowing. To help C3 grass thrive through summer, here are six steps that every homeowner should take.

Dethatch

If you missed this step in the spring, or if you live in an area where debris builds up quickly, run a dethatcher over your lawn to pull up the matted grasses and organic debris. It’s important to have less than a third of an inch of thatch, anything more prevents water, sun and nutrients from reaching the soil. Dethatching is key to this early summer process.

Sharpen Mower Blades and Adjust the Deck Height

Sharp blades give grass a clean cut. Dull blades fray and yellow grass, causing stress. Stressing C3 grass pushes it to draw from carbohydrate reserves. Instead, adjust the deck height so it’s between 2 ½ to 3 ½ inches high. Longer grass in the summer helps shade the soil, drives root growth further into the ground, and can help reduce weeds.

Light Organic Fertilizer

C3 grass can’t produce enough energy to handle new growth and heat. So, avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers on Cool season grass in the summer because the nitrogen will spur quicker growth, causing the grass to expend more of its energy reserves. When choosing a fertilizer, apply a light organic application to feed grass the right amount of nutrients it needs.

Stop Bagging

If it’s safe to do so, take the bag off the mower to allow the grass clippings to feed the soil. The clippings will break down in about a week. As they decompose, they’ll support the soil and help green the grass.

One Inch per Week

Lawns should only have one inch of water per week—including rainwater. Water deeply early in the mornings, allowing the sun to dry away excess water which helps prevent the growth of mold and fungus. Watering too lightly encourages shallow roots, so be thorough when you water, but only do so once a week.

Carl’s Mower & Saw, Your Experts in Outdoor Power Equipment

If you live in Western Washington and have questions about lawn care, reach out!  When it comes to year-round property care, Carl’s Mower & Saw has you covered. From dethatchers to aerators, Honda Generators, Gravely Mowers, Stihl Kombi Systems, Husqvarna Automowers, Stihl Pressure Washers and much more. We service what we sell and we rent equipment, too. Learn more online by visiting www.CarlsMower.com  or give us a call 360-384-0799