Current Weather Conditions for Growing Lawns

As we mentioned last week in, Second Week of 90+ Degree High Temperatures, the heat continues! We have started getting more rain, mostly either light and ineffective or heavy downpours. Soils have been drying out so be mindful of how hard the ground is getting. Still, rain is rain, and any rain is helpful. Low to mid 90s last week and this week. Upper 80s for the next week along with a lot of popup thunderstorm activity. Even slightly cooler weather will reduce the evaporation rate of the water and we will see more benefit from the rain we receive.

Tall Fescue

Temperatures will be a little lower, upper 80s for the next week. Remains ideal conditions for fungal diseases. If you haven’t been doing anything about Brown Patch so far this summer, save the money for Aeration & Seeding Service, it is just around the corner.

Tall Fescue will continue to struggle until we get cooler temperatures. So, the recommendations have not changed:

Recommendations

Mow with SHARP blades.
Mow only as needed (don’t mow if it isn’t growing)
Avoid watering at night.
Water early morning.
If early morning won’t work, water early enough in the afternoon that the grass is dry before sunset.

Warm-Season Grasses

We have been experiencing increasing drought stress on warm-season lawns. The rains that have increased this week are helping. Good weather with lots of sunshine for growing these grasses.

Recommendations

Don’t let the lawn dry out too much. A little drought stress is good but the growing season is fairly short and in two months the grass will start hardening off for the winter (slower growth). Remember that frequent mowing is what produces a thick lawn,

Water, if needed, especially south or west-facing sunny slopes
Water early morning
If early morning won’t work, water early enough in the afternoon that the grass is dry before sunset
Mow
Mow with a sharp blade
Mow often (weekly for bermuda)
Did I mention mowing?

The warm season grasses are undergoing the strongest growth of the season. Mowing weekly now will help the grass can develop deep, strong roots.