It’s hot! Is anyone else hot? It’s hot, right?
Indiana isn’t known for being the hottest part of the country, but it’s hotter everywhere these days. And when it’s hot, everything is more difficult. When working outside, you need to take extra precautions.
SO how do you think your grass feels? YOur grass is always outside. And the summer is a growing season.
We can’t very well not mow during the warmest months, but mowing hits differently in the summer. So how do Busy Lil Beavers hit differently with our mowing? We use our years of knowledge and all the tools in the industry tool belt to do it right!
The Mow’s Mo’ Important
Even though manual labor is the last thing you want to do in the heat, mowing is essential in the summer because you are more likely to spend more time outside!
If you are doing outdoor entertaining, you want your lawn to look perfect. So mowing on a regular schedule matters. THat’s why Busy Lil Beavers are sure to take great care of your yard all summer.
Mowing on the Edge
Your lawn wants to grow! And in the summer, your grass is getting all the sun it needs to proliferate. For the most part, that’s a good thing, but not if your grass is crossing the borders you set.
Edging is especially important during the growing season. So we ensure that when maintaining your landscape, we preserve all of those distinct edges between your gardens, landscaping, and flower beds.
Sips Slowly: Dehydration
We have been hit with heat wave after heat wave this summer, and right now, several states are calling for health emergencies. The essential advice they give is to stay hydrated, limit sun exposure and check on vulnerable populations, including young children, seniors, pets, and those with health conditions.
The heat is no joke! So it’s always best to get professionals who are used to working in the heat and know how to deal with it to do your outdoor work. IF you are going to be inside, drink lots of water and take breaks!
Unfortunately, your grass doesn’t have that option. So it’s important not to mow when going through a dry spell. You should also make sure your property is well watered! Our irrigation systems ensure that your plants get what they need when they need it.
Need (the Best) Mo’ Time
Want to know the best time to mow? In the summer, late morning is ideal grass cutting time.
The reason is that the sun has not become entirely unbearable yet, but it has been up long enough to dry the morning dew. Cutting your grass at the hottest point in the day is not only unpleasant for you; it can damage your grass.
Stay Sharp!
The sharpness of your mower’s blade is critical to a good mow and a healthy lawn. It’s true all year, but doubly so in summer.
Cutting grass with a duller blade can damage the grass and create brown spots. When the sun begins beating down on it, that only makes the problem grow.
Grass Trim Length
How short should you cut your grass? The ideal length of your grass varies by species. That’s one reason why it’s critical to know what grasses are present throughout your lawn.
That said, one rule of thumb for grass length in the summer is longer. So in warm weather, you should let your grass grow a little higher than you do during the year’s cooler months.
When you trim grass too low, you scalp it. That means cutting it below the point where it can easily recover. When you scalp your grass, you may see brown spots and eventually lawn loss.
Warm Season Grass or Cool Season Grass
Warm season grass has its primary growing season in the summer but doesn’t stay green as long through the fall. Conversely, cool season grass stays green longer in the fall but can go dormant in the summer heat.
Generally, cool season grasses should be left longer than warm season grasses. Cool season grasses should average about 2.5-4 inches, while warm season grass’s recommended high is 1 -3 inches. Important caveat: These are general guidelines, and every species has its own specific recommended height.
Some lawns consist of both types of grasses.
Compaction
Here’s another way summer mowing is a little different: in the summer, you tend to entertain outdoors more.
The kids play outside. You host barbeques and outdoor dinner parties. People walk around, socialize, play, and generally have a good time.
That’s fun for you, but maybe not for your lawn!
Grass can take a decent amount of abuse. That’s one reason it’s used so much in western landscaping. But constantly walking around on the lawn can cause the soil to become compacted.
When soil becomes too dense, it’s difficult for plants to grow in it. Plants need space, air, water, and nutrients. When the earth is too packed, it has difficulty getting all of these.
Add to that that many summer activities also involve water, which can further compact soil, and you can see that you have a potential recipe for an unhealthy lawn!
By the end of the summer, you may notice some bare spots in your yard in areas that were highly trafficked. Not to worry, though; Busy Lil Beavers has many ways to treat your lawn to the glam it needs once it’s worked hard for you all summer.
Save Yourself the Sweat!
When you look at the heat index, and you think about all the other things you could be doing with your time, then you think about the price of gas and all the things you might not know, it doesn’t make sense to mow your own lawn.
Busy Lil Beavers has the equipment and expertise you need to give you the most beautiful yard on your street. So give us a call, then sit down for an ice-cold lemonade.