As August arrives, the peak of summer heat and humidity can leave even the most dedicated homeowner’s lawn looking a little worse for wear. However, August is not the time to neglect your landscape. In fact, the care your property receives right now dictates how well it will survive the winter and how quickly it will bounce back next spring.
Here is how the pros keep regional landscapes resilient during the toughest month of the year.
Smarter Watering and Strategic Mowing
When the August heat spikes, the temptation is to water lightly every single day. Unfortunately, this creates a shallow root system that leaves your grass incredibly vulnerable to drought. Instead, shift to a deep and infrequent watering schedule. Aim for about one inch of water per week, applied in two heavy sessions during the early morning hours to minimize evaporation and prevent fungal diseases. You can check your watering days on the Orange County website.
https://www.orangecountyfl.net/WaterGarbageRecycling/WateringRestrictions.aspx
Simply adjusting your mower blade height can also make a massive difference. Raise your mowing height to 4.5 or 5 inches. Taller grass blades shade the soil, keeping the root zone cooler and reducing moisture loss.
Scouting for Late-Summer Pests and Disease
August is prime time for lawn pests, particularly grubs and chinch bugs. If you notice irregular patches of brown, dying grass that pull up easily like a carpet, grubs may be eating the root system beneath the surface. High humidity also invites fungal issues like brown patch or dollar spot. Early diagnosis is key. Treating these issues now stops the damage from spreading and tearing up your lawn before the autumn recovery window opens.
The August Secret: Planning for Fall
While you are managing the heat today, the real secret to an expert landscape is looking ahead. Mid-to-late August is the absolute best time to plan and schedule your fall renovations. For cool- season grasses, the upcoming autumn weeks offer the perfect combination of warm soil and cool air for seed germination.
Let the Experts at Misty Morning Handle the Heat
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