Keep Your Lawn Healthy When The Temerpatures Soar

Regardless if you live in Blue Bell or Phoenixville, the temperatures throughout Montgomery County have been near recording this week.  We thought we'd offer some answers to some common questions related to the scorching temperatures.

 Will the fertilizer hurt my lawn when it is so hot and dry?

Many homeowners are under the misconception that fertilizer will burn a dry lawn.  The key is to use a quality, slow-release fertilizer.  Certain types of fertilizer contain a special polymer coating that allows the fertilizer to release as needed based upon temperature, moisture, and microbial activity.  When it rains, the grass plants need nutrition immediately to support their new growth.  The slow-release fertilizer remains in the soil, making those nutrients available as soon as possible for a quick recovery. 

What are the proper watering instructions when temperatures consistently reach 90°?

Avoid light, frequent watering. A more thorough watering helps turf roots to grow more deeply.  With the soil types in Southeastern PA, 30-45 minutes per section is required 4-5 times per week when temperatures are above 90°. Check your soil moisture by pushing a screwdriver into the ground.  If you meet little resistance, the soil is wet. If it does not push in easily, more water is needed.  Early morning is the best time to water.   

What if I cannot water? Will the grass die?

No.  That’s fine.  The turf will not die.  Cool season turf simply goes dormant in excessive heat as a defensive mechanism.  As the temperatures cool and moisture return, the nutrients available will be released to the turf and your lawn will recover.

Heat stress on cool season turf.  The weight of the mower stressed the turf.

What else can I do?

Ensuring your lawn has the proper grass types, especially in areas of the open sun will help.  Core aeration and seeding this fall with drought tolerant varieties of turf will help improve overall color, vigor, and density.  Drought tolerant grass types also recover more readily than inferior types of grass seed.