Get your lawn in shape for summer

Having a lush, perfectly green lawn without a single weed in sight is a dream many homeowners cherish. However, achieving this kind of yard takes effort and a solid game plan. A flawless lawn doesn't happen by accident.

Identifying your grass type

The first step is to figure out what type of grass you're working with. Lawn grasses generally fall into two categories: warm-season and cool-season varieties. Warm-season grasses, including Bermudagrass, zoysiagrass, centipedegrass, and St. Augustinegrass, thrive during the hottest months and are most common in Southern regions. Cool-season grasses, such as Kentucky bluegrass and tall fescue, grow most actively during the cooler parts of the year and are typically found in northern areas, though some regions may contain a mix of both types.

If you're unsure which kind of grass is growing in your yard, your local university co-op extension service can help identify it.

Preparing your lawn for summer

According to Clint Waltz, Ph.D., a turfgrass scientist and researcher at the University of Georgia College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences, there are several key steps to get your lawn in shape now so it stays green and healthy through the summer months.

First, aerate your lawn. Roots need oxygen, and compacted soil can hinder proper growth. Aeration can open up the soil and create larger pores for air to fill, allowing roots to breathe and stimulating new growth. However, the frequency of aeration depends on soil type and lawn usage, so it's essential to assess your specific needs.

Second, sharpen your mower blades. Dull blades tear grass rather than cutting it cleanly, which can compromise the appearance of your lawn and leave it vulnerable to stress from disease and insects. Most mower blades can be removed and taken to a small engine repair shop for sharpening.

Third, mow at the proper height. Many people mow their grass super-short, but this can actually be detrimental to the health of your lawn. There's an optimal mowing height for each grass species, and cutting at this height gives the grass a competitive advantage by optimizing canopy density, root depth, and volume. This allows turf to pull water from a greater depth to withstand drought and makes it less likely for weeds to pop up.

Fourth, mow your lawn when it needs it, rather than on a weekly schedule. For example, if there's a dry spell, cool-season grasses may need mowing more frequently in the spring when they're actively growing, while warm-season grasses may require less frequent mowing during the summer.

Fifth, consider leaving grass clippings on the lawn, especially if you have a mulching mower. These clippings can decompose and add nutrients to the soil, potentially reducing the need for fertilizer by up to 30 percent.

Sixth, get a soil test to determine what your turf actually needs or doesn't need. This will help guide any necessary adjustments, such as liming the soil to make it more fertile for grass growth.

Finally, apply pre-emergent weed control before soil temperatures reach 55 degrees, when crabgrass typically germinates. Timing is crucial, as grass can't utilize fertilizer until root activity begins, and applying nitrogen too early can lead to wasted fertilizer leaching into the groundwater.

By following these simple yet effective steps, you can give your lawn the best chance to thrive throughout the summer months.