August Lawn Care Tips for San Diego County
Your August Lawn Checklist for San Diego
It’s August in San Diego County, and we’re in the final stretch of summer. This month is typically the hottest of the year, so we have unique lawn care needs to consider.
Of course, warm-season lawns, such as St. Augustine, Bermuda, and zoysia, can handle the heat and can look great this time of year with proper care, but what about cool-season grasses? Well, if your landscape has Kentucky bluegrass, tall fescue, or perennial ryegrass, chances are that it’s struggling in the heat.
Watering Needs
Warm-season grass will benefit from deep, infrequent watering. Water your lawn deep enough so that water soaks the soil to a depth of 6-8 inches. Allow the soil to dry out a bit before watering again. By doing this, it will encourage deeper root growth, which makes your lawn better able to withstand heat and drought.
Cool-season grass should be watered regularly.
For best results, water your lawn early in the morning. We recommend watering between the hours of 4-6 a.m., which minimizes evaporation and allows grass to dry before nightfall.
Test Your Irrigation Systems
Your lawn and plants need water to survive the intense heat of August. To ensure your plants and lawn receive the proper amount of water, test your irrigation systems. Watch how water reaches your plants and lawn, look for broken sprinklers, clogged drip-irrigation emitters, broken lines, or sprinkler heads. Fix or adjust the irrigation system where necessary.
Mowing Needs
Maintain mowing height at 3 to 4 inches. Keeping grass high helps retain shade and moisture.
Avoid mowing during the hottest part of the day. Mow your lawn only when the grass is tall enough to be trimmed. Cool-season grasses should not be mowed when the weather is too hot. Be sure to keep mower blades sharp to avoid damaging grass blades.
Control Crabgrass
Crabgrass is an invasive weed. August is a good time to control it, when it turns red, before it sets seed. If you don’t manage crabgrass, it will take over your lawn.
TIP: Maintaining a healthy lawn is ideal in helping to prevent crabgrass from being established. Healthy lawns are properly fertilized, watered, and mowed.
Inspect Your Lawn for Pests and Diseases
A regular inspection of your lawn can keep pests and disease at bay. Look for signs of discoloration. Look for insects, too. If there are issues, act quickly and be sure to use the right treatments.
Plan to Overseed
Overseeding is a great way to improve soil and control crabgrass. Late August is a prime time to overseed.
The Round Up
When it comes to lawn care during August, it’s time to focus on supporting your lawn. After all, it’s the hottest month of the year, so pay attention to how you’re watering, mowing, and monitoring your lawn. Avoid tasks such as heavy fertilization and aeration during this time.
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Westturf Landscape Management
701 Mercantile Street
Vista, CA 92083
Phone: 760.650.3120