Caring for Your Grass During Extreme Heat

As temperatures soar during the summer months, it's essential to pay special attention to the care of your lawn. The extreme heat can take a toll on your grass, but with the right maintenance, you can help it stay lush and green throughout the season. Our team at Castongia Tractor is here to ensure your mower stays in top condition so your lawn does, too!

Here are some tips for caring for your lawn during extreme heat:

1. Adjust Your Mowing Height: Raise the cutting height of your mower to leave the grass a bit longer. Taller grass provides more shade for the soil, which can help it retain moisture and stay cooler.

2. Water Deeply and Infrequently: Water your lawn deeply and less frequently to encourage deep root growth. Aim to give your lawn about 1 inch of water per week, either through rainfall or irrigation. Watering in the early morning or late evening can help minimize water loss due to evaporation. However, pay attention to your town’s watering rules, especially if drought warnings are put in place.

3. Use Drought-Tolerant Grass: If you're planning to establish a new lawn or overseed an existing one, consider using drought-tolerant grass species. These varieties are better equipped to withstand hot, dry conditions. Your local extension office can recommend grass varieties for your area.

4. Limit Foot Traffic: During periods of extreme heat, try to minimize foot traffic on your lawn. Constant traffic can stress the grass and lead to compaction, which makes it harder for the soil to retain water.

5. Fertilize Carefully: Avoid fertilizing your lawn during a heatwave, as it can cause stress to the grass. If you need to fertilize, do so in the fall when the weather is cooler. A fall feeding will set your lawn up for success come next spring!

6. Provide Shade: Provide temporary shade for your lawn during the hottest part of the day. This could involve using shade cloth, umbrellas, or other temporary structures to shield the grass from direct sunlight.

By following these tips, you can help your lawn survive and thrive during extreme heat. Remember, a little extra care during the hottest days can make a big difference in the health and appearance of your grass. Visit us in Northwest Indiana to find John Deere lawn mowers and mower accessories that can make lawn care a breeze! We are located in Crown Point, DeMotte, Fowler, Rensselaer, and Valparaiso, Indiana.