Is your grass suffering in the summer heat? Of course, it is! How can it not be? It seems to get hotter and hotter every year. This summer is no exception. The good news for you is that you can bring it back to life with a little extra care. Arborist Jeffrey Delaune with The Care of Trees shares tips for caring for grass, gardens, and trees this hot summer season.
Short-Term Symptoms of the Heat
· Wilted or curling leaves that may turn brown at the tips or edges.
· Sparse canopy of off-color and undersized leaves, leaf scorch, or yellowing.
· Premature fall color and early leaf drop are also common in trees under stress from drought.
· Closer inspection may reveal limited twig growth coupled with small, poorly-formed buds.
· Pests such as canker diseases and certain borers can take advantage of stressed trees.
Maintenance
Water everything appropriately. The best time to water your grass is in the morning.
Water slowly once or twice a week by running a sprinkler or drip hose beneath the trees. Avoid irrigating the trunk, as the increased moisture can create root rot.
Concentrate on the area directly beneath the foliage known as the “drip zone.” Make sure you follow your local irrigation ordinances.
Place a large can near your sprinkler and water until two inches of water has collected in the can. This will let you know when to stop watering.
Fertilize
Fertilizer enhances root development and promotes carbohydrate production, which supplies energy necessary for growth. Not enough people add fertilizer to their flowers, grass and trees to aid in growth and save possible dying.
Add Mulch
Spread two to four inches of mulch around your trees to reduce moisture loss. Do not do the volcano mulch technique. Mulch should be pulled back 6″ from the trunk of the tree.
Prune Trees and Shrubs
Pruning trees and shrubs improve the structure, limb stability, and removes dead and weakened branches. Removing dead and dying branches helps deter bark beetles and other wood-boring insects and enables tree roots to sustain the rest of the tree more efficiently.
This is some good basic advice to save your grass and lawn and trees in these dog days of summer. If you can’t get control of the problem, call on Broward Landscape to help deal with the problem. We are more than happy to help.
Broward Landscape is the South Florida leaders in landscape design, outdoor living spaces, outdoor kitchens, bars, outdoor fire pits, exterior lighting, pavers, decking, walkways, tree care, sprinkler repair, pergolas and arbors. Our reputation and results speak for themselves. This includes large-scale corporate environments, city parks, shopping malls and apartment complexes, condominiums and homeowner associations. Our experienced landscaper designers set the standard each day in landscape design and hardscaping. We are the landscapers that light up your life!
