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Mowing correctly is the most important factor when it comes to high summer temps. You do not want to add more stress that’s already present due to heat and reduced rainfall. One low cut below 2” can  almost instantly brown out a lawn within hours. The lower the cut, the more damage is done. A low cut releases massive amounts of moisture in the hot sun causing the soil to heat up and weeds to germinate. At Spartan Mowers we not only want you to enjoy your mowing experience, but have learned through the years that there is a method to mowing that many people ignore. When you mow and how you mow are just two things to consider during the hot summer months.


Nothing will set off an awful course of bad events like a short mowing cut - especially  during these hot, summer months. A dull mower blade adds to the dilemma by shredding the ends, predisposing the grass to disease, causing a displeasing tan or white tint. Here are some suggestions that will help you keep your lawn happy and healthy this  Season:


LAWN TLC


  • Mow early morning or late evening

  • Do NOT cut mid day

  • If the lawn is exceptionally dry, don’t cut it yet

  • Use sharp blades

  • Mow at least a 3” cutting height

  • Water in the morning if needed


WATERING



Although watering the lawn is nice, it is not the end all to saving a lawn in the summer. . Since lawns do require at least an inch of rain per week to stay actively growing, anything less means growth will slow and the color will fade. Since the grass blade is mostly water, it may come as no surprise that without rainfall the lawn will lose its green color and most of its ability to grow all that much. If three weeks have gone by without rainfall, then a light watering can help keep your lawn alive, if only dormant. Once the moisture runs out, grass will shut down and go to sleep like a bear hibernating. This is a protection mechanism and helps most turf withstand a typical summer. The extent of long-term damage can be measured in early fall with normal rain and cooler temperatures.  


How well your lawn fairs will be dependent upon the initial health going into the summer, your mowing habits/height, and supplemental irrigation if you have the ability to do so. Any irrigation is preferable in the early morning throughout the day. Late afternoon to evening watering is not desirable because disease issues can quickly develop causing damage ranging from small to large patches. Watering times vary from the thatch thickness, sun to shade ratio, slope, and turf varieties present. One can imagine that a sunny lawn with a thick thatch layer would require significantly more water than a thin, shaded lawn out back next to the woods. When in doubt, any water is better than none, but is not necessarily required in the big picture. 


FERTILIZING



Fertilizing in the summer should be to control damaging insects and be blended with slow release fertilizers, or nothing should be applied at all! A normal dry period might last a few weeks to even a month in July or August. The overuse of fertilizer in July can be devastating to your lawn. Use with caution and care!


MOW LIKE A PRO



Not only knowing the when and the why of mowing will help, but WHAT you’re mowing with can make or break your mowing experience! Using a machine that is adequate and dependable during the hot summer months is something we all desire. Should you have any questions, or if you have a need to update your lawnmower, Spartan Mowers guarantee we have the answers, AND we have the mower you need. With less maintenance requirements, an easier ride, cost-saving technology - all in a mower built by a company you can trust, your purchasing and mowing experience will be more enjoyable. Use our dealer locator to find a Spartan Mower Dealer near you, and see for yourself how you can take command of your yard, with a Spartan!!


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