How’s It Growing: Too Hot To Mow? Let It Go!

By the time July rolls around, the exuberance of the first lawn cut is long gone. Mowing has become a hot, sweaty chore.

Some homeowners try to reduce mowing time by shearing their lawns to as low as the mower bed allows. This is not a good idea.

The length of the grass blades are needed to help shade the roots, collect whatever moisture there is, and to aid in photosynthesis. Turf, with weakened roots will become susceptible to diseases and pests.

There are several tips to keep your lawn as healthy as it can be in a hot, dry Summer.

• Water Properly: 1 inch every 7 to 10 days, early in the morning.
• Raise Your Mower Bed: Mow only the top 1/3 of your grass.
• Don't Fertilize: The best times to fertilize are Fall and Spring, with Fall being the optimum time.
• Keep the Traffic Down: A dry lawn doesn't benefit from heavy traffic and crunchy grass doesn't feel good!
• Rethink Your Turf: Independent garden centers will stock turf seed blended for the weather conditions of your area.
• Loose the Lawn: Consider replacing some of your lawn with a perennial garden. Perennial gardens add interest, color, and texture to your landscape. They use much less water, when mulched, and attract many beneficial insects.

So go ahead, be a little lazy. Both you and your lawn will be better for it.