Lawn care strategies for warmer weather

With summer just around the corner, it is time to start thinking about how to keep lawns looking lush and green in the hot, dry climate of the Texas Hill Country. Proper irrigation and maintenance are essential to ensuring your lawn stays healthy during the summer months and, with the right strategies, anyone can have a beautiful lawn all season long.

The first step to proper lawn irrigation is to ensure it is watered at the right time of day. The best time to water the lawn is early in the morning before the sun is at its highest point in the sky. This allows the water to penetrate the soil and be absorbed by the roots before the heat of the day causes it to evaporate. If you water your lawn in the middle of the day or late afternoon, much of the water will be lost to evaporation before it can do any good.

It is also important to water the lawn deeply but infrequently. This means giving the lawn a good soaking once or twice a week instead of a light watering every day. Deep watering encourages the roots to grow deeper, making lawns more droughtresistant and less reliant on frequent watering.

Another important factor to consider is the type of sprinkler used. In the Texas Hill Country, where water can be scarce, it is important to use an efficient sprinkler that does not waste water. When assessing what type of sprinkler to buy, consider how much water that species of grass needs, the type of irrigation system you have, your overall irrigation budget and any relevant water restrictions or legislation in your area.

In addition to proper irrigation, there are several maintenance strategies to keep your lawn healthy during the summer months. One of the most important is to mow your lawn at the right height. In the Texas Hill Country, where temperatures can soar into the triple digits, it is best to keep your grass a little longer than in other parts of the country. This helps shade the soil and reduce evaporation, keeping lawns healthier and more resilient.

It is also important to keep lawns well-fed during the summer months. Texas lawns usually need a fertilizer with a low rate of nitrogen applied once in the spring and, if needed, once again in the fall no later than six weeks before the expected first frost. It is best to split the fertilizer into two smaller applications rather than one heavy application. A high-quality fertilizer can help the lawn grow strong and healthy, making it better able to withstand the stress of hot temperatures and drought conditions.

Finally, do not forget to keep an eye out for pests and diseases that can damage the lawn. Insects like chinch bugs and grubs can wreak havoc on lawns, while diseases like brown patch can turn grass brown and unsightly. Regular inspections and treatments as needed can help keep lawns healthy and pest-free.

By following the proper lawn irrigation and maintenance strategies, anyone can keep their lawn looking healthy all summer long, even in the hot and dry climate of the Texas Hill Country.

For further assistance and consultation, reach out to the Hays County Agrilife Extension Office at [email protected] or at (512) 393-2120.