How to Prepare Your Lawn for the Georgia-South Carolina Summer Heat
The Georgia-South Carolina border region is no stranger to intense summer heat, with scorching temperatures and unpredictable rainfall patterns that can challenge even the healthiest lawns. If you want to maintain lush, green grass during the summer months in Evans and beyond, preparation is key. Here's how to get ahead of the heat and protect your lawn through the hottest part of the year.
1. Start with a Soil Test
Before you make any changes to your lawn care routine, begin with a soil test. This gives you valuable insight into your soil’s pH levels and nutrient makeup, helping you determine what your grass needs most. A balanced soil foundation ensures that anything you add—whether water, fertilization, or treatments—has the best chance to support healthy growth.
2. Time Your Fertilization Wisely
Summer isn’t the ideal time to apply heavy fertilization, but if your lawn is cool-season grass (like fescue), a light, slow-release formula can provide the nutrients it needs to survive heat stress. For warm-season grasses (like Bermuda or zoysia), late spring is the ideal time to apply nutrients that will sustain them through the heat. Always water your lawn after fertilizing to help nutrients absorb without burning the grass.
3. Apply Pre Emergent in Spring
The secret to a weed-free summer lawn lies in early planning. Applying pre emergent herbicides in late winter or early spring helps prevent common warm-weather weeds like crabgrass and goosegrass from taking over your turf. Once the summer heat rolls in, it becomes much harder to control these nuisances without stressing your lawn further.
4. Mow Smart, Not Short
It’s tempting to mow your lawn short for a neater appearance, but cutting grass too low can make it more susceptible to both pests and drought. Instead, raise your mower blade slightly in the summer. Taller grass blades shade the soil and retain moisture, giving your lawn a better defense against the sun.
5. Water Deeply—But Infrequently
Consistency is key in hot weather. Instead of watering your lawn a little every day, aim for a deeper soak two to three times a week. This encourages roots to grow deeper, making your lawn more resilient during dry spells. Water early in the morning to reduce evaporation and discourage fungal growth.
6. Aerate If Needed
If your lawn gets a lot of foot traffic or shows signs of compaction (like pooling water or thinning grass), summer is not the best time to aerate—but planning it for late summer or early fall can be beneficial. Aeration allows water, air, and nutrients to penetrate more effectively into the root zone.
Call in the Experts
Don’t sweat your summer lawn care routine. The lawn care pros for Evans know exactly how to treat your turf for optimal summer survival. From strategic fertilization to timely pre emergent applications, professional lawn care ensures your yard is green, healthy, and thriving—no matter how high the temperature climbs.
Want the best lawn on the block this summer? Contact Clydesdale Lawn Consulting LLC today for expert lawn care in Evans!