Caring for Your Lawn During a Heat Advisory: Essential Tips

This quick guide serves to help anyone who is dealing with a heat advisory and looking to help their lawn through it. Whether you are doing lawn care in Bloomsburg, PA or any other area immediately affected by the summer’s heat, these tips ring true. As summer temperatures soar, maintaining a healthy lawn becomes more challenging, especially during heat advisories. The scorching sun and lack of rain can quickly turn lush green lawns into dry, brown patches if not properly cared for. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to keep your lawn healthy and vibrant even in the hottest weather conditions.

1. Watering Wisely:

• Timing is Crucial: Water your lawn early in the morning or late in the evening to minimize water loss due to evaporation. Avoid watering during the hottest parts of the day.
• Deep Watering: Ensure your lawn receives a deep watering session rather than frequent shallow watering. This encourages deeper root growth, which helps grass withstand drought conditions better.
• Monitor Moisture Levels: Check soil moisture regularly. Stick a screwdriver or a soil probe into the ground—if it goes in easily, your lawn is sufficiently watered. If it’s hard to penetrate, it’s time to water again.

2. Adjust Mowing Practices:

• Raise Your Mower Blade: Set your mower blade higher than usual during hot weather. Taller grass shades the soil, reducing evaporation and keeping the soil cooler.
• Don’t Cut Too Short: Avoid cutting more than one-third of the grass blade length at a time. Longer grass blades also help retain moisture and develop deeper roots.

3. Fertilize Carefully:

• Choose the Right Time: Fertilize your lawn in early spring or fall when temperatures are cooler. Fertilizing during a heat advisory can stress the grass further.
• Use Slow-Release Fertilizers: These provide a steady supply of nutrients over time, reducing the risk of fertilizer burn during hot weather.

4. Provide Shade and Protection:

• Use Natural Shade: If possible, strategically plant trees or shrubs to provide shade to parts of your lawn, especially where the sun beats down the hardest.
• Avoid Heavy Traffic: During heat advisories, try to minimize foot traffic and other stressors on the grass to prevent additional damage.

5. Recognize Signs of Stress:

• Brown Spots: If you notice brown spots appearing, it’s a sign that your lawn is under stress. Increase watering in those areas and consider applying a bit of extra care.
• Footprints Remain: If footprints or tire tracks remain visible on your lawn long after they were made, it’s a sign that your grass is not bouncing back as quickly due to dehydration.

6. Use Water-Saving Techniques:

• Mulch Grass Clippings: Leave grass clippings on your lawn after mowing to act as a natural mulch, which helps retain moisture.
• Consider Drought-Resistant Varieties: When reseeding or planting new grass, opt for drought-resistant varieties that require less water.

7. Follow Local Watering Restrictions:

• Stay Informed: Be aware of any local water restrictions or guidelines in your area. Follow these regulations to conserve water and avoid fines.

By following these essential tips, you can ensure that your lawn remains healthy and vibrant even during the most intense heat advisories. Remember, proper lawn care during hot weather not only maintains your lawn’s appearance but also promotes its long-term health and resilience against drought conditions.

As always, feel free to reach out to Isaac to help with any/all your lawn care needs. (570) 854-23898