Tips for keeping lawns green and lush through the end of summer
As summer begins to wind down, many homeowners notice their lawns starting to show signs of stress. The hot, dry weather of late summer can take a toll on grass, leading to brown patches, thinning, and an overall lack of vibrancy. But don’t worry—it’s not too late to rejuvenate your lawn and keep it looking green and lush. Here are some tips to help you maintain a healthy and beautiful lawn into the early fall months.
Apply fertilizer
Late summer is an excellent time to apply fertilizer to your lawn, as it helps grass recover from summer stress and prepares it for the cooler months ahead. Look for a fertilizer like this one from Ironite that has a higher nitrogen content, which promotes healthy growth. Its slow-release formula is ideal, as it provides nutrients over an extended period and will not burn plants and grass.
Thatch
Thatching is an essential lawn care practice that involves removing the layer of dead grass, roots, and other organic matter that accumulates between the grass blades and the soil’s surface. Thatch can prevent water, nutrients, and air from reaching the soil, ultimately hindering grass to grow. Use the True Temper Steel Lawn Rake to break up the thatch and promote better airflow and moisture penetration. After dethatching, it’s important to water your lawn thoroughly and apply a light layer of fertilizer to support recovery and maintain a healthy, green appearance.
Water Wisely
Watering your lawn properly is essential to maintaining its health and color during the hot summer months. Make sure your lawn is getting fully watered. If you suspect your sprinkler system isn’t hitting the entire lawn or there are areas that need more water, or you just need a reliable manual sprinkler try this Ace Turbo Oscillating Sprinkler. It offers great durability and control.
Aerate the Soil
Lawns are generally much more compacted by the end of the summer because of the extra foot traffic your yard gets. Use a tool like this Yard Butler Lawn Aerator to loosen compacted soil and penetrate thatch. This will help air, water, and nutrients get to the grassroots to improve drainage and healthier growth.
Maintaining a healthy lawn in late summer requires some extra attention. Ace Hardware of Fort Collins on Harmony carries these products and more to help maintain your lawn through the fall.
