Utah summers can be tough on lawns. The intense heat, dry air, and occasional drought conditions create a challenging environment for maintaining a lush, green yard. With the right knowledge and care, however, your lawn can thrive even in the harshest summertime conditions. To help make sure our readers get the most out of their lawns this summer, we have put this guide together to answer some common questions about summer lawn care in Utah!
While spring and fall are the primary times for fertilizing your lawn, a light application of slow-release fertilizer in early summer can give your grass a boost. Avoid fertilizing during the hottest, driest periods, as this can stress the grass and burn the roots. You should also avoid liquid fertilizers through the hottest part of the season. Liquid products will quickly evaporate right off the grass blades if temperatures are too high and the grass is in direct sunlight, meaning the nutrients never get a chance to reach the soil.
The ideal time to water your lawn in Utah is early in the morning, before the sun's rays become too intense. Watering between 6 am and 10 am allows the water to soak deep into the soil before evaporation takes over. Avoid watering in the late afternoon or evening, as wet grass overnight can create an environment that encourages fungal growth.
Mowing frequency depends on the type of grass you have and how quickly it grows. For most Utah lawns, mowing once a week or every other week during the summer is sufficient. The key is to never remove more than one-third of the grass blade at a time. Cutting too much can stress the grass and make it more susceptible to disease.
Maintaining a healthy, dense lawn is the best defense against weeds. Regular mowing, watering, and fertilizing will help your grass outcompete unwanted plants. If weeds do appear, pull them by hand or use a spot treatment of herbicide. Of course, if you are concerned about a large weed infestation returning from the previous year, pre-emergent herbicides are the most effective way to block weeds from ever popping up in the first place. Apply these products directly to the areas of concern, and avoid excess watering until the product has seeped into the soil.
Brown spots can be caused by various factors, including drought stress, fungal disease, insect damage, pet urine, or even buried debris. To diagnose the problem, look for patterns in the brown spots, check the soil moisture, and examine the grass blades for signs of disease or insects. For example, spongy brown spots in your lawn that peel back like a carpet are typically signs of lawn grub damage, whereas stiff and/or brittle spots could be a sign of fungal infection.
Aeration is typically recommended in the spring or fall. However, if your lawn has compacted soil, you can aerate it in early summer to improve air and water circulation to the roots. Aeration involves removing small plugs of soil, which helps to loosen the soil and allows oxygen, water, and nutrients to reach the roots more easily.
Maintaining a healthy lawn is the best defense against pests and diseases. Proper watering, mowing, and fertilizing practices will help your grass resist these threats. Avoid overwatering and over-fertilizing, as this can create conditions that are favorable to pests and diseases.
If you're struggling with persistent lawn problems, such as brown spots, weeds, or pests, or if you simply don't have the time or expertise to care for your lawn yourself, don't hesitate to seek professional help. A lawn care expert can diagnose problems, recommend solutions, and implement a customized lawn care plan to help your lawn thrive.
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