Lawn Care Blog

Why do you think this photo of a local farm pasture is so green and healthy in a July heat wave?  Most home lawns are currently showing signs of heat/drought stress with brown and dormant areas throughout.  Heres why:  a pasture is mowed at 8-12" and can grow higher than that in between mowings.  The tall grass blades shade the soil line preventing the soil profile from drying out (and new weeds germinating).  This allows the grass plants to remain vibrant and green.  Also, pasture grass varieties tend to be drought resistant.  That's why we recomend mowing your grass at 4" and using Turf-Type Tall Fesque for seeding.  Your Maryland lawn may not be as green as this pasture all summer, but following these basic tips will help with the heat/drought stress issues.     Picture taken July 7, 2011.

It's true. Heat stress on Maryland lawns is already evident.  Areas of "localized dry spots" have developed into unsightly brown areas with the onset of 90 degree days in late May.  These are the same areas we see every year as the soil dries out for the first time. They are usually areas of full sun exposure as well.

What to do?  Watering will help, but be sure you are watering correctly.  For more detailed information, call HillSide Lawn Service today for consultation from one of our trained representatives.