Summer is more than halfway over. Here in Florida, the blistering summer heat and the rainstorms can really beat up your lawn and landscape! The summer stress put on your property can be intense, but there are ways to help it recover!
Since the Custom Acres team is always here for you, we want to take time this week and write an entire blog dedicated to the type of stress and damage that may have likely occurred on your property this summer. The blog’s goal is to make sure you are fully prepared to take any necessary steps for the health of your plant life and its midsummer recovery.
There are numerous types of things that can happen during the summer season, but we will focus on the top four or most common four types of stress or damage that might occur.
They are:
Compacted Soil
Patched Grass/Lawn
Watering Issues
Insect Infestation
Let’s dive into some ideas on how to fix these issues once they have occurred. Remember, if anything happens to your property this summer or during any other season, the Custom Acres team is here for you!
Is it possible for my property to have compacted soil this summer?
Compacted soil is a significant issue, especially during the summer season. Compacted soil happens more often this time of year because we use our outdoor space on our property more frequently. (Of course, residents in warm-weather states like Florida tend to use their outdoor space throughout the year, but the issue still arises more in the summer with all the BBQ events and kids home from school.)
Compaction in soil occurs when the soil sees frequent foot traffic. For example, during the summer season, your lawn is sometimes used as a parking spot; your children, guests, and pets are often outside, walking on your lawn and its soil. Because of the consistent activity happening on your lawn during the summer, your soil becomes more and more compacted as the season continues.
Your Response:
The response to compacted soil is to get your lawn aerated. An aeration service will free your soil and allow it to breathe so it can access the air, water, and nutrients it needs! However, you will have to face the issue: is it worth getting an aeration service every time your lawn gets compacted, or do you wait till the end of the summer season? Let the answer come from the professionals! The best thing to do is bring in professionals to assess how bad the compaction is, and they will provide you with the best options and then provide the wonderful services you need to ensure your lawn stays healthy and vibrant for you to use it the rest of the year!
Will I have a patchy lawn or grass this summer?
A patchy lawn or patchy grass Is ubiquitous during the summer season. This is most likely due to the hot, dry climate that occurs during this time of year. If your lawn or grass does not get mowed or watered consistently, all of these factors can potentially lead to a dried-out, dead, and patchy turf! As the hot temperatures rise, your grass may be at risk for drought stress. Drought stress can cause your lawn to wilt, turn brown, or die. You can detect drought stress by locating brown patches and gently pulling on the grass that is there. If it is difficult to pull out and is securely rooted, your grass is likely suffering from drought.
Your Response:
When you start to see patchy or dried-out spots on your lawn or grass, the best thing to do is make sure your lawn is getting cut and appropriately watered. If you are still unsure what to do with the patchy situation you are in, the next best step is to call in professionals to assess the situation and fix the problem. After they help you fix the issues, they can provide the maintenance services needed to ensure the problem does not return, or they can provide help, support, and tips for you to maintain it yourself!
How do I properly water my lawn during the summer?
Watering your lawn during the summer is very important. With the combination of hot temperatures, dry and humid climates, and the sun constantly beating down on it, the risk of drought or a dead lawn is always possible. Mistakes like fertilizing cool-season grasses during the summer, overwatering, or even mowing the grass too short can weaken the grass blades, and your turf can thin out, which will expose your soil to weeds and insects.
Your Response:
The best thing to do to ensure your lawn is watered adequately during the summer season is:
Water during the morning, 6 am – 8 am!
Make sure to water an inch a week (includes rainfall amounts)
If you see your lawn or flowers are dry, it is ok to add a little water!
Ask about irrigation systems!
Call in professionals to help!
Can insects impact my property this summer?
With the summer season comes summer bugs. Insects can turn your lawn into a brown mess. Test for root-destroying bugs the same way you would test for drought stress. Pull on the grass. If the grass slips from the soil and few roots are present, white grubs may be causing problems on your lawn. Other insects that could harm your lawn this summer are chinch bugs, armyworms, sod webworms, and cranberry girdlers.
Your Response:
Taking proper care of your lawn will lead to fewer chances of your lawn or property having insect issues. Insects usually arise from lawn issues or lawn disease. If your lawn is properly cared for and maintained, the chances of insect problems significantly decrease. Make sure to ask professionals for tips, help, or services to aid you with these issues!
Since professionals like us are here for your year-round property needs, and we love adding convenience to the lives of our local residents, make sure you give Custom Acres Lawn Service a call today!