Lawn & Landscaping Heat Stress

Summer heat can be tough on your lawn, but with the right care, you can keep it healthy and green. Follow these essential tips to prevent heat stress and ensure your lawn, trees, and shrubs stay hydrated and thriving.

Water in the Mornings

Watering your lawn between 3 AM and 9 AM minimizes evaporation and improves soil absorption, ensuring that moisture reaches the roots. Avoid watering at night, as prolonged moisture on grass blades can encourage fungal growth and disease.

Soak the Lawn to a Depth of 3-4 Inches

A deep watering once a week is far more beneficial than frequent shallow waterings. As a guideline, sandy soil requires about 30 minutes, while clay soil needs 60 minutes of watering. To check penetration, insert a long screwdriver into the lawn about 5 inches deep. If the water hasn’t reached the necessary depth, continue watering. Consider using a water timer to automate the process and ensure consistent hydration.

Deep Water Trees & Shrubs

Most irrigation systems are designed for lawns, but trees and shrubs require deeper watering. If a tree or shrub shows signs of heat stress, place a hose 12 inches away from the trunk and let a slow trickle run for 3-4 hours. Lightly stressed trees need watering once a week, while heavily stressed trees require twice a week.

Mowing Guidelines

The biggest contributor to lawn stress and fungal issues is mowing too short. Set your mower to the highest setting—ideally 4 to 4.5 inches. Never remove more than 1/3 of the grass blade per mowing, as longer blades provide better shade, reduce stress, and improve moisture retention.

Let Greenscapes Lawn and Landscape Help!

Keeping your lawn in top shape during the summer heat can be a challenge. At Greenscapes Lawn and Landscape, we specialize in expert lawn care services to keep your grass, trees, and shrubs healthy all season long. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us help you maintain a lush, stress-free landscape!