There are many things to love about summer in Monmouth County, New Jersey. The season is characterized by long days of sunshine and perfect weather for outdoor fun. However, it’s not with its own unique challenges.
The intense heat and occasional drought take a toll on your lawn. There will also be the issue of increased foot traffic. With such issues, you need to be proactive with maintenance. This is the only way to ensure your yard stays lush and healthy. This will be possible even during the hottest months of the year.
This article looks at various tips that you have to consider this summer.
Understand Your Grass Type
Lawns in New Jersey feature many grass types. Some of these include Kentucky bluegrass and tall fescue. Others like perennial ryegrass and fine fescue are also quite common here. Each of these has its own unique needs. This is especially true when it comes to watering and mowing.
Lawn Maintenance Is Important In NJ
You should hence have a good understanding of the type on your property. This is the only way to implement the right measures to properly maintain it. For instance, you will be able to adjust mowing height accordingly. You will also be in a position to select the right fertilizer blend for optimal growth.
Mow at the Right Height
You shouldn’t cut too short. Doing this stresses the turf. It even makes it more vulnerable to heat and weed invasion. Instead of doing this, consider keeping it to around 3 to 4 inches tall. This usually depends on the type you have.
With such a height, the grass is able to shade the soil and retain moisture. It also encourages deeper root growth. Such factors are key for ensuring your turf is able to thrive in New Jersey’s summer climate.
Another thing to note is that mowing should be done with sharp blades. This ensures a clean cut that promotes lush and even growth.
Water Early and Deeply
Consider watering early in the morning. Ideally, this should be before 10am. Doing this helps to reduce evaporation and allows absorption of moisture. This is way before the midday heat sets in.
On its part, deep watering encourages roots to grow downward. This can be quite beneficial. The main reason behind this is that it will become more drought-resistant and resilient to heat stress.
This is quite different from what you get from shallow watering. This method leads to weak root systems and patchy growth. To avoid such a scenario, water to about one inch per week.
Control Weeds Before They Spread
Weeds compete with your grass for water and nutrients. Having them around hence weakens your turf. It also creates unsightly patches. To avoid such issues, consider early detection and removal. This can be done by hand or with targeted herbicides. Such solutions are quite great when looking to prevent invasive species from taking over.
You need to be very consistent with weed control throughout the summer. You shouldn’t wait until weeds have matured and spread their seeds. Therefore, regularly inspect your yard. This should be especially done after rain or watering. Doing this is a great step towards achieving a healthy and visually-appealing home exterior.
Fertilize with Care
It’s crucial that you fertilize thoughtfully. The main reason behind this is that too much fertilizer causes burns. It also encourages excessive growth, which struggles in hot and dry conditions
To ensure incredible results, use a slow-release, nitrogen-rich formula. Make sure that it’s suited for summer use. You should consider applying it during the cooler parts of the day. For instance, early mornings or late evenings work quite well.
Fertilizing with care helps provide proper nourishment. Therefore, your grass stays green, healthy, and resilient through the summer heat of New Jersey.
Taking care of your lawn during summer in Monmouth County doesn’t have to be a challenge. In fact, all you have to do is follow the right practices. For instance, consider mowing and watering on a regular basis. Also, be proactive with weed and pest control. By following such tips, you ensure that your turf is able to thrive. This is despite the intense summer heat of New Jersey.
If you need professional assistance, consider working with Fly with Freedom. With our many years of experience, you can be sure that we’ll help you, every step of the way. We understand your unique needs. We’ll hence be able to tailor solutions to keep your yard looking fantastic all season long.
