Hot, Hot, Dry

Summer has just begun and already the lawns look like something you would see in August. The year to date precipitation is significantly below the average. Tall fescue grass and bluegrass are showing signs of stress as we remain in this heat wave. For those that have vegetable gardens concentrate on keeping up with watering and keep and eye out for Japanese beetles in the landscape.

Summer Stress

Lawns are under severe stress with the heat and disease pressure. Most of the lawns grown in Northern Virgina are cool season turf types in which they suffer during the next couple months. Please raise your mower height too the highest setting and be certain not to cut the grass in the afternoon when the temperatures are exceeding 90 degrees. You may notice that a tractor or heavy commercial mower can damage the turf and leave tire marks when cutting in the heat of the day. I have noticed a lot of Japanese beetles in the landscapes which may result in a high population of grubs this year in the lawns. Please read our watering instructions and mowing instructions on our website.

Preparation for Summer

Several important tips to remember for your lawn and landscape as summer approaches.

First, raise your mower height to the highest setting 3-4 inches. Do not remove more than one third of the grass blade at one time. Mow often, it's great exercise. We have a chart under Horticultural Tips that will calculate how many calories you burn while cutting the grass.

Second, read and do your best to follow our watering instructions online. Watering instructions are for maintaining a green healthy lawn. If you cannot dedicate your time to proper watering of the lawn, then it is best to do nothing at all. Not watering your lawn during hot and dry periods will cause it to become semi-dormant and turn brown, which is its natural way of preserving itself until cooler weather. Most lawns will bounce back in September for those that do not water.

Third, keep an eye out for Japanese beetles and turf disease.

I hope everyone can take a family vacation this year and get your grills ready for some fine summertime cooking. Remember to have your extra propane tank filled and available so when you’re cooking for friends you don’t run out of gas.