As the temperature rises and the days get longer, your lawn begins to shift into high gear. Summer is the season when grass faces the most stress—heat, drought, increased foot traffic, and pests all take a toll. To help your lawn stay green and healthy, proper seasonal preparation is essential.
In this blog, we’ll guide you through the key steps to get your lawn ready for the summer months and explain why professional Lawn Mowing in Sackville can make a noticeable difference in your yard’s appearance and resilience.
1. Start with a Spring Cleanup
Before summer kicks in, your lawn may be cluttered with twigs, leaves, and dead grass from the winter. Removing this debris is essential to allow air and sunlight to reach the soil and encourage healthy growth.
Tips:
Use a leaf rake or dethatcher to clean up the lawn surface.
Remove any large branches or leftover winter mulch from garden beds.
Check for compacted areas and loosen the soil if necessary.
2. Aerate Your Soil
Aerating is a great way to relieve soil compaction and improve water, oxygen, and nutrient flow to the grass roots. It’s especially helpful if your lawn sees heavy traffic or has clay-heavy soil.
When to aerate: Early to mid-spring is ideal, but if you missed the window, you can still do it before the hottest summer days arrive.
DIY or professional? While manual aerators are available, professionals offering Lawn Mowing in Sackville often combine mowing and aeration services for better efficiency and results.
3. Apply the Right Fertilizer
Feeding your lawn at the right time sets the stage for healthy growth throughout summer. Too little fertilizer and your grass may struggle; too much and it could burn in the heat.
Summer Fertilizing Tips:
Use a slow-release, nitrogen-rich fertilizer in late spring or early summer.
Avoid fertilizing during drought or extreme heat, as it can stress the grass.
Water your lawn after applying fertilizer to help nutrients reach the roots.
4. Tune Up Your Mower
Before summer mowing begins in earnest, check that your lawn mower is ready. Sharp mower blades make clean cuts that heal quickly, while dull blades tear the grass, causing browning and increased vulnerability to disease.
Mower Maintenance Checklist:
Sharpen blades or replace them if needed.
Check oil, air filters, and spark plugs.
Set the mower height appropriately (generally 2.5 to 3.5 inches for most cool-season grasses).
If you prefer not to handle equipment yourself, professional Lawn Mowing in Sackville services use commercial-grade machines that are always well-maintained for optimal results.
5. Adjust Mowing Height for Summer
As temperatures climb, it's best to raise your mowing height slightly. Taller grass blades shade the soil, helping it retain moisture and suppress weed growth. It also promotes deeper roots, which are better at handling drought.
Mowing Tips for Summer:
Never cut more than 1/3 of the grass height in a single mow.
Mow in the early morning or evening to reduce heat stress.
Leave grass clippings on the lawn (grasscycling) to return nutrients to the soil.
Professionals providing Lawn Mowing in Sackville are familiar with these seasonal adjustments and can help maintain the perfect cut all summer long.
6. Water Deeply and Infrequently
Many homeowners make the mistake of watering lightly every day, which encourages shallow root growth. Instead, water deeply and less frequently to encourage roots to grow downward in search of moisture.
Watering Guidelines:
Aim for 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week, including rainfall.
Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation.
Avoid watering in the evening, which can promote fungus.
Installing a smart irrigation system or using rain sensors can help automate and optimize your watering schedule.
7. Control Weeds and Pests
As your lawn grows vigorously, so do the weeds and insects. Summer is prime time for crabgrass, clover, and chinch bugs to make an appearance.
Weed Control:
Apply pre-emergent weed control in late spring.
Spot-treat broadleaf weeds with herbicide or hand-pull.
Pest Control:
Look for signs like brown patches, chewed blades, or insect activity.
Use natural or targeted chemical treatments if infestations occur.
Regular Lawn Mowing in Sackville helps identify these issues early, as professionals often spot signs homeowners might miss.
8. Consider Overseeding Bare Spots
If you notice thin or bare patches in your lawn after winter, early summer is still a viable time to overseed—though spring or fall are usually better.
Overseeding Tips:
Choose a grass variety that matches your existing lawn.
Loosen the soil before seeding and keep it moist until new grass is established.
Avoid heavy foot traffic on overseeded areas.
9. Edge and Trim for a Polished Look
Don’t underestimate the impact of clean edges around driveways, sidewalks, and flower beds. Edging and trimming give your lawn a crisp, well-maintained look that elevates your entire landscape.
Many Lawn Mowing in Sackville services offer edging as part of their regular packages, saving you time while enhancing curb appeal.
10. Keep Foot Traffic in Check
High traffic can cause soil compaction and damage grass, especially during heat or drought. To minimize wear and tear:
Rotate play or seating areas regularly.
Use stepping stones or gravel paths in high-use zones.
Encourage guests to stay on patios or walkways during gatherings.
Final Thoughts
Summer lawn care is all about consistency, preparation, and timing. With the right steps—cleaning, mowing, watering, and feeding—you can enjoy a lush, green yard even during the hottest months.
For homeowners seeking expert Lawn Mowing in Sackville, APA Lawn Care offers reliable, efficient services tailored to the local climate. Whether you're preparing your lawn for summer or need help maintaining it, our team is here to ensure your property looks its best, all season long.