Summers in the Mid-South can be brutal and the last week of July was downright hot! On a recent stroll through my neighborhood, I noticed many of my neighbors desperately watering their lawns, trying to keep them alive.

It is essential to provide adequate water to your lawn during extreme heat to prevent it from going dormant. The key is applying the right amount of water. Whether it is supplied by Mother Nature or your sprinkler system, lawns need about 1 inch of water per week. During extreme heat, that number increases to 1½ to 2 inches.

Watering daily is not necessary. Instead, watch for signs of stress like wilting or curling grass blades, or footprints that remain visible after walking across the lawn. These are signs that your lawn is distressed, and it is time to water.

Deep watering once or twice a week is much more effective than watering lightly every day. Frequent, brief watering encourages shallow root systems, which are more vulnerable to heat stress. Deep watering, on the other hand, helps develop strong, healthy roots.

The best time to water is early in the morning. This reduces evaporation and helps prevent lawn diseases. If you are unsure of the amount of water your yard is receiving, try placing a few bowls or tuna cans around the yard. After watering, measure the water collected. Your goal is about 1 inch per watering session.

Mowing the lawn correctly is also important. Raise the mower height and avoid removing more than one-third of the grass blade at a time. Also, keep mower blades sharp to ensure clean cuts and reduce stress on the grass.

If you have any questions about summer lawn care, give me a call at 901-752-1207. I am happy to help. Stay cool out there!