Spring is already upon us, so it’s not too early to start thinking about what you need to do to prepare your lawn for the approaching summer.
If you are like the average homeowner, you spend around four hours every week caring for your lawn — a year-round process here in Florida! That’s a lot of time, so you want to make sure your effort pays off with a beautiful lawn. Keeping your irrigation system in good repair — or having one installed — to water your lawn properly is just part of the process.
It’s Time to Feed and Repair. If you haven’t fertilized your lawn yet, you need to do so now to get the roots established. Now is the time to dethatch and aerate your lawn to prepare it and keep it healthy for the summer growing season. Plug or reseed bare areas if you haven’t done so already.
Mow at the Proper Height. Grasses should be growing now, and you may have already had to start mowing. Be sure to cut at the recommended height for the type of grass you have in your yard — different types thrive best when kept 2” or shorter while others prefer being kept at a height of 3” or 4”. Mowing more frequently allows you to leave clippings instead of bagging, which adds the nutrient equivalent of one feeding per year to your soil.
Treat Yellowing. As the temperatures rise, most lawns will start to yellow — some grasses more than others. If this is a problem with your lawn, applying a granular or liquid iron product can help correct it. Be sure to check regulations for your area, as not all counties or cities allow fertilization or iron feedings during the summer.
Prepare for Lawn Pests. As your lawn begins its growing season, pests also begin to arrive. Depending on the type of grass in your lawn, you may be visited by the chinch bug, webworms, mole crickets, weevils, and more. Start inspecting your lawn weekly to look for yellow or brown patches, tunnels, or evidence of chewed grass blades. Getting pests controlled early is your best defense.
Install, Inspect, and/or Repair Sprinkler System. An irrigation system will help you water your lawn effectively and efficiently — but only if it is working properly. Now is the time to have an existing system checked or to install a system if necessary — before the heat arrives, and the lawn has died.
If you have any questions about getting your lawn ready for the summer or need to install or repair your lawn watering system, contact Challenger Irrigation. If you are located in Hernando, Pasco, Pinellas, or Citrus counties, schedule an appointment with our specialists today so you can enjoy a beautiful lawn all summer.
