Getting My Lawn Ready for Summer

Summer is the time when your lawn can truly shine. The bright sunshine, long days, and warm temperatures are all conducive to lush, green grass. However, a beautiful summer lawn doesn't just happen by itself. It requires careful preparation and maintenance. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to get your lawn ready for the summer season.

Step 1: Clean-up

Begin with a thorough clean-up of your lawn. Remove any debris such as leaves, twigs or dead plants that have accumulated over the winter. This is also a good time to rake up any thatch (dead grass) that has built up on your lawn. Thatch can prevent water and nutrients from penetrating the soil and reaching your grass's roots.  Using a Liquid Dethatcher is a great way to get rid of the dead thatch in your lawn. Get those garden tools out of the attic that you have been storing all winter and time to sharpen them up!

Step 2: Aeration

Aeration is a crucial step in preparing your lawn for summer. It involves making small holes in the soil to allow air, water, and nutrients to reach the grass roots more efficiently. This helps the roots grow deeply, resulting in a stronger, more vigorous lawn. You can rent a lawn aerator from a garden center or hire a professional lawn care service to do this for you.  Or if you really want to help your lawn get healthy, use Liquid Lawn Aerator to insert millions of micro-organisms into the soil to colonize and enrich the earth!

Step 3: Seeding

After aeration, it's time to over seed your lawn. Over seeding helps fill in any bare spots and contributes to a thicker, more robust lawn. Choose a seed variety that is suitable for your climate and soil type. Water the newly seeded areas regularly until the new grass is well-established.

Step 4: Fertilizing

Next, apply a slow-release granular fertilizer to your lawn. This will provide your grass with the nutrients it needs to grow lush and green. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions regarding application rates and timing. Too much fertilizer can burn your grass and harm the environment.

Step 5: Watering

Proper watering is key to a healthy summer lawn. Instead of watering lightly every day, water deeply once or twice a week. This encourages the grass roots to grow deeper into the soil, making your lawn more drought-tolerant. The best time to water is early in the morning when evaporation rates are low.

Step 6: Mowing

Regular mowing keeps your lawn looking neat and helps it stay healthy. Set your mower's blade to the highest setting, as longer grass blades help shade the soil, reducing water evaporation and inhibiting weed growth. Leave the grass clippings on the lawn after mowing – they return valuable nutrients back to the soil.  Cleaning that mower is the first step to a good season of mowing. 

Step 7: Weed Control

Lastly, address any weed issues. Pull out large weeds by hand or use a spot-spray weed killer for stubborn ones. For widespread weed problems, consider using a weed-and-feed product.

Final Thoughts

Getting your lawn ready for summer may seem like a daunting task, but with a bit of effort and planning, you can achieve a lush, green lawn that will be the envy of your neighbors. Remember, a healthy lawn is not only beautiful to look at, it also provides a cooling effect, helps filter air and water pollutants, and contributes to a healthier environment. So roll up your sleeves, get out there, and give your lawn the care it needs to thrive this summer!

By following these steps, you'll have a lawn that's not just ready for summer, but one that’s resilient and vibrant, too. With the right care, your lawn can become a source of pride and a place for your family to enjoy all summer long. Happy gardening!