Ask The Tech! Summer Edition

This Friday June 21^st marks the official start of summer.  While many have already made their first voyage to the beach, your lawn and landscape could very easily take a vacation from its beautiful spring state.  We’ve noticed a variety of lawn conditions throughout Montgomery County over the past few years, and here are some of the most common questions people have about their lawn in the summer. 

“My lawn isn’t as green and lush as it was in the spring? What’s happening!!??”

 The summer can be a challenging time for the lawn, especially in July.  From Royersford to Abington, there is usually some sort of a drought, which obviously is a leading cause of a dry lawn.  However, there are a variety of other reasons for a brown lawn.  Insects such as chinchbugs often feed on the lawn in June and July.  Also, Red Thread, a common lawn disease in the late spring usually leaves the lawn with several patchy spots once the pathogen has run its course. Ultimately, there are several common reasons for what people typically call a brown spot.  For more information, please visit our website.

Chinchbug damage typically occurs in the open sun

“Should I water my lawn?”
Absolutely! As I mentioned, the summer months can be very trying on lawns in our area.  Water is a vital ingredient to having a beautiful lawn, yet sadly it’s often overlooked in Southeastern Pennsylvania.  The water bill may jump a little bit, but if you can, I highly recommend watering the lawn at least 4 days per week for 30-40 minutes per zone.  Deep watering encourages proper root development.

“How frequently should I mow the lawn during the summer?”

That can vary depending on the amount of rain we receive.  For the past few summers, July has been a relatively slow time for cutters.  Cutting the lawn in the middle of a drought can put a great deal of undue stress on the turf.  Obviously, the lawn should appear to be maintained, but if it’s a desert out there, hold off at least until some rainfall hits our area.

“You guys are the lawn experts, so you must be outdoors during your down time.  Any suggestions for outdoor games?"

One of my favorite games to play on a gorgeous summer evening is Viking Chess, also known as Kubb. It’s a combination of bowling and horseshoes and is fun for all ages.  There is a good amount of strategy which is a nice distraction from some of the repetitive, tried games of summer.     http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kubb.

When he isn't playing Kubb, Harry Bambi is the Sales Supervisor for Weed Man, Montgomery County.