Summer Lawn Care Tips and Tricks

The heat of summer is here, but that doesn’t mean we should just stay inside with the air conditioning on. There is work to do in our yards. The choices we make today will affect our yard in the spring, making our lives either easier or harder. If you follow these tips, you will be in a much better position next spring when it comes to lawn care and pest control.

Ensure Proper Weed Control

As a homeowner, you know the ongoing battle against weeds. Weed control is especially crucial in the summertime. The effort you put into managing weeds now will significantly impact the difficulty you’ll face next year. Summer weeds spread their seeds in the fall, preparing to sprout when spring arrives. Unlike spring, when pre-emergent herbicides are effective, summer weed control requires post-emergent herbicides to target and eliminate weeds after they appear without harming your grass.

Tip: Regularly inspect your lawn for new weeds and promptly treat them with post-emergent herbicides to prevent them from seeding.

Water Early and Not as Often

Proper watering is vital for your lawn, but it’s important to strike the right balance. Overwatering can invite pests and diseases like dollar spots, while insufficient watering prevents moisture from reaching the grassroots. The best time to water is in the morning, allowing water to evaporate throughout the day. Water deeply and infrequently to encourage deeper root growth, resulting in thicker, healthier grass.

Tip: Water your lawn early in the morning, around 6-8 AM, for the best results and to avoid evaporation during the day’s heat.

Implement Core Aeration and Overseeding

If your grass looks weak and isn’t responding to care, compacted soil might be the culprit. Compacted soil restricts access to water, air, and nutrients. Core aeration alleviates soil compaction and loosens thatch, enabling your grass to thrive again. Overseeding introduces new grass varieties into your existing lawn, enhancing its appearance and resilience.

Benefits of Core Aeration

• Repairs thin or bald areas
• Promotes thicker, lusher grass
• Accelerates grass growth
• Reduces water runoff
• Increases resistance to pests, drought, and diseases

Tip: Schedule core aeration in late spring or early summer for optimal growth and follow up with overseeding to fill in any bare spots.

Common Lawn Pest Tips

Pests can significantly disrupt your outdoor activities and damage your lawn if not managed properly. Common pests like mosquitoes, fire ants, and chinchbugs are particularly problematic. Mosquitoes can be controlled by eliminating standing water, wearing light-colored clothing, and using repellents. Fire ants, known for their painful stings, create mounds that suffocate grass; treat these mounds with specific insecticides. Chinch bugs suck the liquid from grass blades, causing brown patches; regular monitoring and appropriate insecticides can keep them in check. Effective lawn pest control, combined with these preventive tips, ensures a healthier and more enjoyable lawn.

Tip: Regularly check for pest signs and apply targeted treatments to manage infestations before they escalate.

Call The Lawn Care Experts At TruGreen Midsouth

At TruGreen, we can help you take control of your yard back from annoying mosquitoes. With our mosquito control program, you can choose to sign up for monthly treatments or one-time applications for special events like graduations, weddings, and other celebrations.

Call us at 225-465-0665 if you are a Louisiana client, but if you’re from Mississippi, call us at 662-330-1330. Or get a free and easy quote here. Get access to all our tips on pest control, lawn care, tree care, and more by following our monthly blog. Check us out on Facebook for the latest TruGreen deals and news in your area