Leave lawns longer in the heat

Proper timing of lawn maintenance practices is an important factor in having a nice green yard. Now that summer is in full swing and the days are hotter than hot, consider the following reminders to keeping the lawn as healthy as possible.

We are in that part of the year at least through September when lawns grow at a fast pace. Mowing seems to have a bigger impact on the life and quality of the turf than almost any other practice. How high or low the lawn is cut varies with different turfgrass species. So, knowing what is there can help determine cutting height.

Lawns made up of a combination of Kentucky blue grass, fine fescues or turf-type perennial ryegrass do best when mowed at a height of 1.5-2.5 inches. Traditional lawn plantings often consist of 75% Kentucky blue grass and 25% fine fescue or perennial ryegrass. This type of lawn seems to be able to withstand heavy foot traffic and fills in well after being damaged. However, these grasses also require weekly, if not more frequent, irrigations. Turf-type tall fescues require less-frequent irrigations and may tolerate the heat better than ryegrass or the bluegrass.

Weekly mowing works best to maintain good quality grass during the greater part of the year. Mowing less than once per week may tend to produce lower-quality turf. Regular mowing at the proper height takes less time and effort than infrequent mowing and produces a healthier, denser and more vigorously-growing turf that potentially is prone to fewer maintenance challenges.

In the heat of the summer, consider cutting the grass a little higher. What this means, is that now and at least for the next 10 days to two weeks, or longer if the heat persists, leave it longer each week. If it is cut (too) short, it will become stressed more quickly which will weaken the grasses. Longer turf helps to shade the soil and keep it cooler and it will need less water to stay green. And, keeping the grass a little taller, especially now, can help reduce weeds because the thicker canopy cover keeps seeds from germinating.

So, now you know, let it grow, let it grow, let it grow.

For gardening questions contact the WSU Grant-Adams Master Gardeners at the WSU Grant County Extension office at 754-2011 ext. 4313 or Email ga.mgvolunteers@wsu.edu. Online reference services are available at https://extension.wsu.edu/grant. Sealed samples may be brought for identification to the WSU Extension Office, 1525 E. Wheeler Road, Moses, Monday-Thursday, 8-5 PM by appointment only.