Kansas City Summers Put Lawns to the Test!
High heat, humidity, and unpredictable rainfall can push even the lushest lawns into decline by mid-July. Use strategic planning and automated irrigation to keep grass thick and healthy throughout the hottest months of the year.
1. Mow High
Grass needs to be cut at a taller height during the summer than during spring and fall because, when it’s hot out, short grass leaves the soil more exposed, causing it to dry out faster and dehydrate the grass. Increased sun exposure to the soil also allows weeds to spread more easily. The ideal height for most lawns in the summer is around 3.5 to 4 inches – which is long enough to shield the soil from the sun and mitigate some of the summer heat. Another tip, it’s also important that mower blades are kept sharp, as dull blades tear at the grass and can cause undue stress on the plants.
2. Use an Automated Sprinkler System
Companies like Hunter and Rachio have controllers loaded with features to reduce water waste – saving you money on your monthly bill!
The best weapon to defend the lawn from the harsh conditions of summer is an automated sprinkler system. Not only does this provide the proper amount of hydration turf needs to thrive, but automated systems also save homeowners time and money. Dragging out the hose and moving portable sprinklers from spot to spot is time-consuming, inefficient, and usually doesn’t provide even water coverage for the lawn. It’s also easy to forget spots, leave dry patches, overwater (sometimes overnight!), and generally cause uneven grass growth within the lawn.
An automated system delivers precisely calibrated hydration to every inch of the lawn—no more over- or under-watering. Seasonal programming also means the lawn gets the water it needs when it needs it most – and even remembers to water when homeowners are away during summer vacation travel. Today’s modern control systems also include smart technology that maximizes efficiency by delaying or skipping watering sessions when a summer rainstorm rolls through.
3. Water Deeply, Water Consistently
In the summer, it is crucial to water turf deeply, consistently, and on a schedule – not just when the grass starts to look dry. Sporadic watering leads grass to develop shallow root systems that poorly retain moisture.
In hot weather, cool-season grasses, like tall fescue and Kentucky bluegrass, need somewhere between 1 to 1.5 inches of water a week. Relying on a hose-end sprinkler every few days won’t deliver the consistent, deep watering a lawn truly needs. An automated irrigation system eliminates the guesswork and schedules waterings as needed to keep lawns perfectly hydrated without wasting a drop of water.
4. Water at Prime Time
When you water is nearly as important as how much you water!
When to schedule sprinklers to operate is especially important in the summer. It’s easy to assume that the best time to water is during the hottest time of the day, but watering when temperatures are at their highest causes water to evaporate too quickly and prevents it from reaching the turf’s roots. However, running sprinklers in the middle of the night allows water to sit on the grass for too long, which can lead to fungus and disease.
The best time to water is generally early in the morning, between 5:00 and 8:00 a.m. Temperatures are cooler and winds are minimal during those hours, allowing water to effectively reach its target and be fully absorbed into the soil, and any excess droplets quickly evaporate with the sunrise.
Smart strategy for summer lawn care!
A lawn doesn’t thrive on its own, especially in the summer. It takes the right mowing height, consistent deep watering, and an automated sprinkler system – tuned not only to the season but even to sudden micro-changes in heat, humidity, and rain. With a quality control system, homeowners can keep grass green, lush, and strong—all summer long.
Be the Envy of Your Neighbors this Summer – with a little help from the irrigation pros at Heinen!
Heinen’s experienced team of irrigation specialists has designed, installed, and maintained sprinkler systems for home and business owners for over 35 years! Keep your lawn looking its best year-round with a custom-built irrigation system from the best in KC!
