Summer Maintenance
Lawns and gardens can be maintained in the summer without harming the environment.
Pesticides and herbicides should be avoided as they can harm the wildlife, waterways, and surrounding ecosystems.
Overfertilization can cause toxic algae in the waterways, which compete with the wildlife.
Water Wisely
Lawns should be watered infrequently for drought protection only.
The best time to water your lawn is early in the morning to reduce evaporation and fungus growth.
Aim for about an inch of water per week, including rainfall.
Overwatering can be harmful for your lawn as it causes runoff which washes away nutrients.
Mow High
Mower high in the summer should be between 3.5-4 inches. Low grass can be harmful to your lawn as it causes more moisture to be released.
Leave grass clippings on the lawn to act as a natural fertilizer and mulch and adding plant-loving nitrogen back to the soil. This helps to shade plant roots and retain moisture.
Skip the Chemical Fertilizers
It is important to avoid high-nitrogen synthetic fertilizers, especially during the summer to prevent grass burning and nutrient runoff into the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
If fertilization is necessary, opt for lightweight organic soil conditioners or compost to improve moisture retention.
Pest Control
Chemical pest control is harmful for your lawn. Opt for natural pest control remedies, such as nematodes that hunt and destroy lawn grubs, oils from formulas using garlic, cedar oil, clove oil, and thyme oil to repel mosquitoes, ticks, and surface insects, and neem oil and soaps that target soft-bodied insects but are non-toxic to mammals and local waterways.
Mulch Garden Beds
Apply a new, clean layer of organic mulch around trees, shrubs, and garden beds to suppress weeds and reduce soil evaporation.
Wood mulch is a great natural option.
Manage Stormwater
Water sitting in your lawn can wash away nutrients and cause fungus growth.
Direct water runoff using eco-friendly solutions such as rain gardens, dry creek beds, or permeable paths to protect soil structure and the natural environment.
Late Summer Maintenance
In the late summer, aerate your lawn to break up compacted soil to allow water and nutrients to reach the roots.
Overseed with heat-resistant grass varieties used to withstand drought.
Top your lawn with compost or organic soil conditioner after aeration to improve its structure and encourage seed germination.
Need help with your summer lawncare maintenance? Contact Evergreen Eco-Scapes and we would be glad to help!
