Summer is upon us... and with it, some tough days for even the hardiest of lawns. Keep these simple tips in mind to assure you've got the best looking yard on the block no matter what the weather.
Find the right lawn for you
Whether you're landscaping for the first time, revitalizing your existing landscape or trying something new, Punch! Home & Landscape Design Premium makes it easy to find the perfect grass and plantings. Set parameters such as geographic zone, climate and water/sunlight/soil conditions to search thousands of plant and grass options and find the best match for your home. Then use the Topo Tools to sculpt your ideal landscape and the Automatic Growth Tool to see how your yard will look next summer or ten summers from now. Establish a watering routine
It seems like common sense, but the change in weather will affect your lawn's water needs. Higher temperatures, particularly in dry climates, mean higher evaporation rates and less water getting to your lawn's roots. But it's not as simple as just watering more. Frequent, light watering can result in weeds, fungus and a weak root system. Instead, water more deeply and less frequently - about an inch a week is a great target to aim for. (And be sure to keep your eye on the weather report, summer storms can sometimes take care of all your watering duties without you having to lift a finger.) Fertilize with care
Like every living thing, your lawn needs to be fed. Finding the right fertilizer for your grass is a vital part of growing a lush, healthy lawn. Check out the nitrogen content in your fertilizer and be sure it's not too high. Particularly during hot weather, too much nitrogen can burn your grass and leave it with that dry, fried look no matter how much you water. A thick, well-fed carpet of grass will cool the soil, retain moisture and help your lawn stay vibrant throughout the summer. Let it grow
A close-cropped lawn can look really sharp, but during the summer consider letting your grass go a little wild. Longer grass develops deeper, stronger root systems which are better able to withstand the dry spells and heat of the summer months. Set your mower for a higher setting than you might normally use and be sure not to leave anything sitting in one place on your lawn for too long. Sprinklers, kiddie pools and lawn furniture are essential parts of summer fun, but don't let them smother your grass by leaving them out after use. Enjoy it
This is the easiest part of summer lawn care. There's no better way to keep track of what your lawn needs than to spend some time with it. Your grass should be a healthy-looking green and should spring back when you walk through it. Go barefoot for watering or just take a stroll through your yard and see how it feels. If it seems sluggish or dry, refer to the tips above for some simple solutions. With Punch! Home & Landscape Design Premium and a little time and attention, your lawn will be picture perfect and ready for barbeques, outdoor fun and the envy of the neighbors all summer long.
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