The warm summer breeze brings to mind images of lush green lawns, perfect for a picnic or a relaxed weekend. But keeping these lawns luscious and green can sometimes be tricky. Why? The secret lies in understanding the type of grass you are growing, and knowing that some grass types may not be the best fit for the sizzling hot summer days. The knowledge of right and wrong grass types for summer can make all the difference in maintaining your lawn’s health and aesthetic appeal.
The grass types to avoid in summer
While all grass types seem pretty much the same to the untrained eye, they have distinctive growth patterns, water requirements, and temperature tolerance levels. Among the many varieties, Bermuda grass and Fescue grass are ones that you might want to reconsider planting, especially if the climate in your region experiences scorching temperatures in summer.
Bermuda grass
Although Bermuda grass is vastly popular for its drought-tolerant nature and exceptional wear resistance, it falls short when dealing with extreme summer heat. A characteristic that places it in the ‘not recommended’ list for summer is its tendency to turn a shade of unappealing brown during heatwaves. Still, if you live in regions with moderate temperatures, Bermuda grass can prove a durable and low-maintenance choice.
Fescue grass
Fescue grass, especially the ‘Tall Fescue’ variety, boasts a unique resilience against cold temperatures, making it a perfect choice for locations that witness harsh winters. But when summer rolls in, they work overtime to resist the heat and protect their roots, leading them to appear unruly and patchy. As a result, your lawn might lose its uniform look.
An eco-friendly approach to lawn maintenance
Taking an environmentally-conscious approach in selecting and maintaining your lawn grass not only helps to reduce the damage to the ecosystem but also sets you up for an easier lawn care routine. Instead of fighting the natural predispositions of different grass types, it is beneficial to choose grass that naturally thrives in your local climate. This eliminates the need for excessive watering or the use of harmful chemical treatments to keep your grass alive.
Local grass varieties
Reach out to your local nursery or extension service to discover the varieties of grass native to your area. These grass species have evolved to survive in your climate, making them naturally resilient to local weather conditions and pests. They usually require less maintenance, making them an eco-friendly choice.
Watering practices
Proper watering practices play a significant role in maintaining an eco-friendly lawn. Watering in the early morning or late evening can prevent water loss through evaporation. It is crucial to water deeply but less frequently to encourage the roots to grow deeper, enhancing the grass’s resilience to summer heat and dryness.
Choosing the right grass for your lawn based on local climate conditions can create a significant impact on its health, appearance, and the resources required to maintain it. And in the process, it also brings you a step closer to an environmentally-conscious lifestyle, contributing to sustainability. Always remember, a happy lawn is one that grows in alignment with its natural surroundings.
Emma Johnson is a passionate and insightful writer specializing in the house and garden niche, bringing over a decade of experience to her readers. At the youthful age of 34, Emma has already established herself as a leading voice in home improvement, landscaping, and interior design. Her journey began with a degree in Landscape Architecture from the University of Georgia, followed by years of hands-on experience working with renowned landscaping firms across the country.
Emma’s writing career took off when she started sharing her unique ideas and eco-friendly gardening tips on her personal blog. Her ability to blend practical advice with aesthetic design quickly garnered attention, leading to her current position as a featured columnist for a prominent online news site.
Dedicated to sustainable living and innovative design, Emma’s articles offer a wealth of knowledge, from DIY home projects to the latest trends in garden technology. Her work not only enlightens homeowners looking to enhance their living spaces but also inspires a deeper appreciation for the environment.
When she’s not writing or experimenting in her own garden, Emma enjoys mentoring young designers and participating in community beautification projects. Her contributions extend beyond her written work, embodying her commitment to making the world a more beautiful and sustainable place, one home at a time.
