Mid-June’s here, and if you’ve spent any time outside lately, you’ve probably noticed the grass really startin’ to take off. With the heat kickin’ in and the wind not lettin’ up, keeping your lawn lookin’ sharp in North Dakota takes a little more elbow grease than it did back in May.
Whether you’re mowin’ in Bismarck, checkin’ sprinklers in Mandan, or just tryin’ to keep the dandelions at bay, this is the time of year where good habits make all the difference. Below are a few things we’ve learned over the years, along with some stuff to steer clear of if you want a yard that holds up all summer long.
A Few Things You Should Be Doing
1. Mow Tall and Easy
Don’t scalp your lawn-keep that grass around 2.5 to 3.5 inches tall. Taller grass holds moisture better and throws some shade on weeds tryin’ to sneak in. Also, don’t go hackin’ off half the blade in one pass. That one-third rule you might’ve heard about? That’s a good one. If it got too long, ease it down over a couple mowings. No need to shock it all at once.
2. Water Smarter, Not More
Folks tend to think daily watering is the answer, but that just makes for lazy, shallow roots. Instead, aim for a good deep soak once or twice a week-about 1 to 1.5 inches total.
And always water early. We’re talkin’ 4 to 8 in the morning, before the sun starts bakin’ everything. It saves water and keeps mold from settin’ in overnight.
3. Keep Your Gear in Check
A sharp mower blade makes a clean cut, which your grass will thank you for. Dull blades? They rip and fray the tips, which turns ’em brown and lets in disease. Take a look at the blades of grass after you mow-if they look chewed up, it’s time for a touch-up.
4. Go Light With the Fertilizer
A little fertilizer in mid-June can give your lawn a gentle nudge, but don’t overdo it. Look for slow-release stuff, and skip anything too high in nitrogen. You don’t want to be growin’ a jungle when it’s 90° out and dry as a bone.
Things to Steer Clear Of
1. Don’t Drown Your Lawn
Too much water can be worse than not enough. It invites fungus, bugs, and can suffocate the roots. If you’re not sure whether to water, grab a screwdriver and poke it in the soil-if it goes in easy 4 to 6 inches, you’re good for now.
2. Don’t Mow When It’s Wet
We’ve all done it, but mowing wet grass usually just makes a mess. It clumps up, leaves ruts, and spreads around whatever’s lurking in the yard. Let the dew dry off before firing up the mower.
3. Don’t Ignore Bare Spots
If your yard’s got a few bald spots, now’s a solid time to overseed. Throw down some seed, keep it moist, and you might be surprised how fast it fills in-especially before July’s heat really kicks in.
4. Don’t Spray in the Heat
Fertilizers and weed sprays work best when the temps are cooler. Spraying ’em in the middle of a hot day can scorch your grass. Stick to early morning or just before sunset for better results.
North Dakota Weather’s No Joke
Our climate’s a bit of a mixed bag. If you’ve got spots near the sidewalk or your driveway, those areas heat up quicker and dry out faster. Meanwhile, shady spots under trees may stay wetter than you’d expect.
And don’t forget about the wind-it’ll suck the moisture out of your lawn faster than you’d think. If it’s been especially breezy, you might need to water a bit more often in exposed areas.
When It’s Time to Get a Hand
Sometimes it just makes more sense to call in the pros. If your mower’s on its last leg, or you’re not sure what’s wrong with a patchy area, Dakota Lawn and Snow Services has you covered. We’re based right here in Bismarck, and our team works all over town (and in Mandan too) helping folks get their yards back on track.
Let’s Keep Your Yard Lookin’ Good All Summer Long
Your lawn’s a part of your home, just like the front porch or the fence around the backyard. Give it a little time and attention now, and it’ll hold up through the summer heat like a champ.
Ready to take a load off? Give us a call at (701) 400-2098 or swing by dakotalawnsnow.com to get on the schedule. We’re here to help-rain or shine.