Keeping Your Lawn Virginia Green When the Temperature is in the Red

As the scorching summer sun bears down on your lawn, it’s essential to implement proper care and maintenance to keep it lush and green. Picture Perfect Lawn Maintenance, your trusted lawn care expert serving Virginia and its surrounding counties, is here to guide you through the heat. In this article, we will share both do-it-yourself tips for homeowners and specialized services we offer to ensure your lawn remains picture-perfect throughout the summer months.

1. Summer Watering:

Proper watering is crucial for maintaining a healthy lawn during the summer. Here are some watering tips to keep in mind:

Deep Watering – Water your lawn deeply and infrequently. Aim for 1 inch of water per week, ideally delivered in one or two sessions, rather than frequent light watering.

Morning Watering – Water your lawn in the early morning to minimize evaporation. This allows the grass to dry before evening and prevents the development of fungal diseases.

2. Summer Mowing:

Proper mowing techniques can make a significant difference in the health and appearance of your lawn. Follow the guidelines below: (Note: At PPLM, we know that anyone can mow a lawn, so rather than provide this service, we focus on the hard stuff, so you don’t have to!)

Set the Correct Cutting Height – Set your mower’s cutting height to about 3 inches. Taller grass shades the soil, reducing evaporation and weed growth.

Sharpen Your Blades – Regularly sharpen your mower blades to ensure clean cuts, preventing stress and damage to the grass.

3. Fertilization in Summer:

Providing your lawn with essential nutrients is vital, especially during the summer. Consider the following fertilization practices:

Slow-Release Fertilizer – Opt for slow-release fertilizers that provide a steady supply of nutrients over an extended period. This helps avoid excessive growth and reduces the risk of fertilizer burn.

Consultation with Experts – At Picture Perfect Lawn Maintenance, we offer professional soil testing and personalized fertilization programs tailored to your lawn’s specific needs.

4. Weed Control:

Summer is prime time for weeds to thrive, but you can take proactive measures to keep them at bay:

Pre-Emergent Herbicides  – Applying pre-emergent herbicides before weed seeds germinate can significantly reduce weed populations.

Regular Weed Removal – Monitor your lawn regularly and manually remove weeds as soon as you spot them. Ensure you pull them out from the root to prevent regrowth.

5. Specialized Services by Picture Perfect Lawn Maintenance

In addition to these do-it-yourself tips, Picture Perfect Lawn Maintenance provides a range of specialized services to help you maintain a healthy and beautiful lawn all year long:

Lawn Aeration: Our experts will aerate your lawn, improving airflow, water penetration, and nutrient absorption for stronger roots and healthier grass. Note that PPLM does not recommend lawn aeration during the heat of the summer as it can dry the topsoil. Get a free estimate for lawn aeration, and Picture Perfect Lawn Maintenance will schedule the best time for your lawn and location.

Soil Sample and Evaluation: We’ll take soil samples from your lawn at key times of the year. Soil samples provide valuable insights into the composition of your lawn’s soil. They help determine its pH level, nutrient content, organic matter, and texture. This information is crucial for developing a targeted fertilization plan that meets the specific needs of your lawn.

Pest and Disease Management: Our team is trained to identify and address common lawn pests and diseases. We provide targeted treatments to keep your lawn free from damaging insects and pathogens.

Seasonal Overseeding: Overseeding your lawn in the late summer or early fall helps rejuvenate thin and damaged areas, resulting in a denser and more resilient lawn. Note that PPLM does not recommend lawn overseeding during the heat of the summer. Get a free estimate for overseeding, and Picture Perfect Lawn Maintenance will schedule the best time for your lawn and location.

Stay Cool this Summer

Maintaining a vibrant and healthy lawn in the hot Virginia summer requires a combination of homeowner efforts and professional care. By following the basic tips outlined above and taking advantage of the specialized services offered by Picture Perfect Lawn Maintenance, you can ensure your lawn remains the envy of the neighborhood. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and let us help you achieve a picture-perfect lawn all summer long.