Summer Lawn Care Tips for Virginia Residents

As the summer season unfolds in the state of Virginia, it’s crucial to provide your lawn with the care it needs to thrive. After Memorial Day, the warm weather and increased sunlight create optimal conditions for fertilization, seeding, over-seeding, and aeration. In this article, we will explore the best lawn care maintenance practices for several counties in Virginia, including Chester, Chesterfield, Colonial Heights, Dinwiddie, Ft Lee, Hopewell, Midlothian, Moseley, Prince George, and Petersburg.

Summer Lawn Care – Fertilization

After Memorial Day, fertilization becomes a critical aspect of lawn care. Apply a slow-release, balanced fertilizer to provide your lawn with the necessary nutrients it requires for healthy growth. In Virginia, it is advisable to use a fertilizer with a higher nitrogen content to support the warm-season grasses commonly found in the area. Follow the recommended application rates provided on the fertilizer packaging to avoid overfeeding and potential damage to the grass.

Seeding

If you haven’t already taken care of seeding by the time summer starts, it may be too late. Part of good summer lawn care means taking care of some tasks before summer arrives. If you can take care of seeding as early as late February or March, this is ideal for the Virginia climate.

When preparing to seed, identify any bare or thin areas in your lawn and prepare them for seeding. Rake the soil lightly to loosen the surface and remove debris. Choose a high-quality grass seed blend suitable for your specific region and grass type. Broadcast the seeds evenly over the designated areas and lightly rake to ensure good seed-to-soil contact. Water consistently to keep the soil moist until the new grass establishes itself. A big part of summer lawn care is nurturing the seeding you did early in the year.

Over-Seeding

Like seeding your lawn, over-seeding should already be well in progress before your summer lawn care begins. Over-seeding helps rejuvenate and thicken existing lawns. If you have an exceptional amount of shade and are extremely diligent in your watering habits, you can get away with some over-seeding during the late spring or early summer, but not much beyond that.

Examine your lawn for areas that show signs of thinning, bare spots, or weak growth. Prepare the soil by lightly raking to loosen it and remove any debris. Apply the appropriate grass seed blend based on your lawn type and region. Evenly distribute the seeds over the existing lawn and lightly rake to incorporate the seeds into the soil. Adequate watering and consistent moisture are crucial for successful germination and establishment. If you are concerned you don’t have the time or skills to get your summer lawn care off to a good start, get a Free Estimate from Picture Perfect Lawn care to do it for you.

Aeration

Aeration is an essential process that promotes healthy root growth and improves the overall condition of your lawn. Virginia lawns benefit from aeration to alleviate soil compaction caused by heavy foot traffic, excessive thatch buildup, or clay soils…however, in the Virginia climate, aerating while it’s too hot is NOT recommended.

Rather than guess at the best time to aerate your lawn, contact Picture Perfect Lawn Maintenance to have them thoroughly aerate your lawn. The process involves extracting small plugs of soil, allowing air, water, and nutrients to reach the grassroots more effectively, but also allows your lawn to dry out much quicker during hotter months, so take caution. After aerating, spread a thin layer of compost or topdressing to improve soil quality.

Additional Tips for Summer Lawn Care

• Proper watering: Water deeply but infrequently, aiming for about 1 inch of water per week. This encourages deep root growth and helps your lawn tolerate periods of drought.
• Mowing height: Maintain the appropriate mowing height for your grass type. In Virginia, most warm-season grasses thrive when mowed at a height of 1.5 to 2.5 inches.
• Weed control: Monitor your lawn for weeds and apply appropriate herbicides as necessary. Post-emergent herbicides can be effective against broadleaf weeds commonly found in Virginia lawns.
• Pest and disease management: Stay vigilant for signs of pests and diseases. If you notice any issues, consult with a lawn care professional or extension service for proper identification and treatment options.

 

After Memorial Day is a great time to start your summer lawn care and provide your lawn with the essentials it needs to flourish throughout the summer in Virginia. By following these lawn care maintenance practices, including fertilization, seeding, over-seeding, and aeration, you can ensure a lush, healthy lawn in counties such as Chester, Chesterfield, Colonial Heights, Dinwiddie,