The summer season is officially here, which means the days will be longer and the temperatures warmer. However, with this summer heat comes the potential for lawn damage.
Sunlight is essential for all varieties of grass, but it can also pose a hazard due to the excessive heat it produces. So, how can you protect your lawn from summertime heat?
More Water
Sometimes the most obvious solutions are the best. Adding more water to your lawn, for instance, will help protect it from the summertime heat.
Water provides essential moisture to grass, preventing it from drying out and dying. Mother nature will often take care of this for you, but there are times when yards will go for weeks without seeing a drop of rain, especially here in Williamson County and really in all of Central Texas.
It’s important to note, however, that many states, counties and cities have restrictions regarding the use of water. Before connecting a sprinkler and setting it up on your lawn, check with your local municipality to determine what, if any, water restrictions are in place.
Failure to follow these restrictions could result in citations ranging anywhere from $50 to several hundred bucks.
More Shade
In addition to water, shade can also prove useful in protecting a yard from summertime heat. When grass has some type of cover from the sun, it will naturally feel cooler; thus, protecting it from heat-related damage.
Just how much of a difference can shade really make? According to some tests, the difference can be as much as 50 degrees Fahrenheit! That’s obviously a substantial difference, with a 40-50 degree plus heat wreaking havoc on grass within your landscape.
There are a few different ways to add shade to your landscape, one of which is to to plant additional trees and shrubbery. As long as its large and “bushy,” it should provide some protection from the sun.
Just remember to plant it in the right area so it’s offering shade to the lawn during the day. Another option is to build a canopy or gazebo over your lawn, creating somewhat of a barrier of protection between it and the sun.
Mow High
What blade setting do you use when mowing your lawn? Many people choose the lowest setting because it cuts more grass – and when you cut more grass, you don’t have to do it quite as often.
The problem in doing so, however, is that it places additional stress on the grass, making it more susceptible to heat-related damage. A better choice is to mow your lawn no shorter than 3”. This allows the blades of grass to hold onto more moisture for a longer amount of time.
The Woodsman Company offers tree planting, tree pruning and shrub trimming, tree removal and stump grinding as well as a tree wellness program.
If we can help with any of your tree care needs give us a call at 512-846-2535 or 512-940-0799 or
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