How to Grow Grass Quickly in Summer

July 16, 2024

At Lawn Synergy, we understand the pride that comes with a lush, green lawn, especially during the summer months.

If you're wondering how to grow grass quickly in summer, you've come to the right place. In this article, we'll dive deeper into the essential steps you need to take to achieve a healthy, vibrant lawn even in the hottest months.

We'll cover everything from selecting the right grass type to proper watering techniques, mowing practices, and more.

So, if you're ready to transform your lawn and learn the secrets of summer grass growth, continue reading for our expert tips and advice.

How to Grow Grass During Summer - A Step-By-Step Guide

Let's go through a step-by-step guide on how to grow grass during the summer:

Warm-Season Grass

Selecting the right type of grass is crucial for achieving a healthy lawn. Warm-season grasses like Bermuda, Zoysia, Centipede, and St. Augustine grass thrive in the heat, making them ideal choices for summer.

Each grass type requires specific lawn care to ensure optimal growth. For example, knowing how to grow Bermuda grass effectively involves choosing a sunny spot that receives at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight per day and ensuring well-drained soil.

It is always best to start off with sod. Sod will be ready to install the day it's delivered. Make sure the soil is prepared before laying sod. You can seed Bermuda and Zoysia grass types, but it's very difficult and weeds usually invade the area. Sod is a much better solution and it's instant!

When installing sod in the summer, make sure it is watered 2-4 times per day to prevent it from drying out. When temperatures reach mid 90's, closely monitoring sod is critical.

Proper watering, mowing, and occasional fertilization will keep your warm-season grass lush and green throughout the summer months.

Cool-Season Grass

Cool-season grasses like Tall Fescue, Rye, and Kentucky Bluegrass thrive in cooler conditions. They typically begin to struggle when temperatures reach the 90's.

With cool-season grasses you can have great success starting from seed. Making sure the soil is properly prepared before seeding is critical. After the soil is well prepared, apply grass seed and rake in to make sure that there is good seed to soil contact.

Topdressing the seed with either peat moss or seed-aide will ensure the seed stays moist and weed free. Since it is warm at this time of the year, watering will need to be monitored very closely. Keep watered 3-5 times per day to ensure the seed stays moist for germination.

A quicker and more robust option would be to install sod. Since sod is instant, all you will need to do is make sure the soil is prepared properly and keep watered. Constantly monitor the sod 3-5 times a day ensuring it is getting enough water and staying moist. It can't dry out. If it does, you would need to start the project over. Sod is very sensitive during the summer, however by following the guidance above, you can have great success.

Be Meticulous About Watering

Watering your lawn correctly is vital for maintaining healthy grass, especially during the summer. Be meticulous about watering to ensure optimal growth.

Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and ensure the grass absorbs the water efficiently. Deep watering twice a week is better than shallow, frequent watering.

This practice encourages deeper root growth, making the grass more resilient to heat and drought conditions.

Proper watering not only supports the grass's health but also helps in preventing diseases and pests that thrive in improperly watered lawns. Consistency and timing are key to achieving a lush, green lawn.

If you have an automatic sprinkler system, you will need to make sure that the lawn is getting enough water. Checking the moisture in each zone is a must.

Time settings for some zones may be less or more than others. We have some customers that need to run each zone 1 hour and a half just to apply .33 inches of water. Especially if it has not rained. You may need to run the system a few times in a row just to bring back up moisture levels.

Only Mow As Needed

Mowing your lawn correctly can significantly impact its health. It's important to only mow as needed to avoid stressing the grass.

Mow your grass at the proper height for its type to ensure optimal growth. For example, Bermuda grass should be kept at about .25-1.5 inches, while St. Augustine grass does better at 2.5-4 inches.

Avoid cutting more than one-third of the grass blade at a time, as this can weaken the grass and make it more susceptible to diseases and pests.

During peak growing seasons, mowing 2-3 times a week is normal and it is better than mowing once a week and taking off too much growth also leaving behind excessive clippings.

Proper mowing practices not only keep your lawn looking neat but also promote stronger, healthier grass that can better withstand heat and drought conditions.

Watch Your Seed Placement

Proper seed placement is essential for achieving an even, lush lawn. Uneven seed distribution can lead to patchy growth and an unattractive lawn.

Ensure seeds are evenly spread and lightly raked into the soil to maximize contact and encourage uniform growth.

If you're looking for a premium collection of grass seed varieties, look no further than Lawn Synergy. Amongst our products, we are proud to present our Crown Jewel Elite Tall Fescue Grass Seed, crafted to thrive in any environment.

Lightly Use Fertilizer

Using lawn fertilizer during the peak heat of summer can stress your lawn and potentially cause more harm than good. Therefore, it is important to apply lightly depending on your lawn type.

Focus on maintaining a proper watering schedule to keep your grass hydrated and healthy. It's best to fertilize lightly until the new grass is well rooted in. After it becomes mature, you can get back to your regular lawn care program.

Preparing your lawn in the spring is also crucial. Knowing how to fertilize lawn in spring effectively sets the stage for robust summer growth by providing the essential nutrients your grass needs to thrive throughout the hot months. Following these steps will ensure your lawn remains lush and resilient all summer long.

Conclusion

Growing a healthy lawn in the summer takes careful planning and attention to detail. At Lawn Synergy, we recommend choosing the right grass type, watering correctly, mowing appropriately, and ensuring proper seed placement. Following these steps will help you achieve a lush, green lawn even in the heat of summer.

For more personalized advice, visit our website or contact us directly. We're here to help you create the lawn you've always wanted!

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