Tips For Fertilizing Your Lawn in the Summer
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I love having a green, lush, healthy looking lawn especially in the summer months when we’re entertaining and spending more time outdoors. That being said, maintaining a healthy, green, lush lawn in the middle of summer can be challenging because the hot, dry conditions can deplete the moisture and nutrients in your soil.
That’s why in mid- to late July I apply a fertilizer to my lawn. A fertilizer is one of the best ways to improve the overall health and thickness of your lawn and it, along with weed control, can turn an ordinary lawn into one that makes your neighbours green with envy.
You may be thinking “But I already applied a fertilizer in the spring!”
While that certainly got your lawn off to a great start, a good rule of thumb to keep your lawn healthy is to fertilize three times per season.
Spring.
Mid-summer.
And then again in fall.
In the summer you want to make sure you use a fertilizer suited to the hot and drier conditions. That’s why I recommend Scotts Turf Builder Pro, which is a slow release fertilizer. We even sell one specifically for summer called Scotts Turf Builder Summerguard. A risk with fertilizing in the middle of summer is of course burning your lawn and that’s why it is imperative you use a slow-release fertilizer and that you follow the instructions on the bag. A general guideline is 2 kg per 100 square feet. But never use more than what is recommended on the label!
Keep in mind, more is NOT better when it comes to fertilizer.
The ideal soil condition for applying fertilizer is moist but not soaked. A light rain or drizzle after applying fertilizer works well because it helps to break down the granules and washes them into the roots of your grass. However, I would avoid applying fertilizer right before a heavy rainfall as it could wash it away. If there’s been a heavy rainfall and you haven’t yet applied the fertilizer then consider waiting a day or two until the soil has had the opportunity to dry out a bit.
The best way to apply a fertilizer is with a spreader to make sure it is spread out evenly. I use this “Turf Builder” one by Scotts to do the job.
If you don’t want to use fertilizer on your lawn then using your grass clippings is another effective way of adding nutrients to your lawn. Why? When the grass clippings decompose they deliver nitrogen.
By the way, an important tip when it comes to mowing your lawn in the summer months is to keep your blade sharp and set high to encourage strong grass root growth and provide protection from the sun. If you cut it too short the roots of your grass can burn.
This time of summer is also a good time to consider whether you need to treat for pests that tend to become more obvious in the hot summer months. You can head off the problem by applying a preventative grub control product like Scotts Grub B Gone.
I also spot-treat any weeds as soon as I notice them and before they spread with Scotts Weed BGon but I’m careful when I apply the weed control so that it doesn’t kill my healthy grass
An Important Tip For Watering Your Lawn:
For a lush, healthy lawn you want to make sure you're watering first thing in the morning and if possible not in the evening. The best time to water is before 10 AM. The next best time is between 4 to 6 PM. Avoid if possible watering in the evening. Why? With no sun and evaporation the water just sits on your lawn making it vulnerable to leaf blight, bacterial and fungal disease
Keep in mind that once you’ve fertilized mid-summer the next application is ideally in six weeks so the first few weeks of September.
I hope you find this information helpful!
-Roger
