Once summer arrives, many Lebanon homeowners wonder whether to continue fertilizing. In Lebanon, applying fertilizer during the hottest months can do more harm than good. This article explains when summer fertilization is beneficial and how to minimize stress on your Lebanon lawn.
Cool season grasses grow most actively in spring and fall. Fertilizing in summer when growth slows can lead to excessive leaf growth without supporting roots and increases susceptibility to disease. If your lawn shows signs of nutrient deficiency, use a low nitrogen product and apply at half the spring rate. Water thoroughly after application to prevent burning.
A better approach is to focus on soil health. Topdress with a thin layer of compost to add organic matter and nutrients. Maintain mowing height at three inches or higher and water deeply to relieve drought stress. Apply a balanced fertilizer again in early fall when temperatures cool and the lawn resumes growth. Always base fertilization decisions on soil test results rather than a fixed schedule.
Mowing practices are a cornerstone of lawn care. Set your mower blades high and remove no more than one third of the grass blade at a time. Taller grass shades the soil surface and makes it harder for weed seeds to germinate. Sharp blades produce a clean cut that heals quickly. Mow when the grass is dry and vary the mowing direction to reduce soil compaction.
Water deeply and infrequently to encourage deep roots. Most lawns require about one inch of water per week from rainfall or irrigation. Watering early in the morning reduces evaporation and disease risk. On heavy clay soils, divide the weekly irrigation into two or more sessions to allow absorption. Avoid daily sprinkling because it leads to shallow roots and higher weed pressure.
Core aeration relieves compaction by removing small plugs of soil and thatch. The holes allow air, water and nutrients to penetrate more deeply and stimulate root growth. Aeration is most effective when the lawn is actively growing and the soil is moist. For cool season grasses this is usually early fall, but severely compacted lawns may benefit from spring aeration. Leave the cores on the surface to break down naturally.
Healthy turf naturally suppresses many weeds, but monitoring and prompt control are still necessary. Apply a pre emergent herbicide in early spring to prevent annual weeds like crabgrass from germinating. Hand pull or spot treat broadleaf weeds while they are small. If you notice invasive weeds, address them quickly to prevent seeding and spreading. Integrated weed management combines cultural practices, manual removal and selective herbicides when needed.
Summer fertilization is rarely necessary for cool season lawns in Lebanon. By monitoring lawn health, using compost and waiting for cooler weather to apply fertilizer, you help your lawn thrive without unnecessary stress.
High temperatures also foster fungal diseases like brown patch and dollar spot. Excess nitrogen exacerbates these diseases, so skip fertilization if disease is present. Instead, focus on proper irrigation and mowing to reduce stress. If you choose to fertilize in late summer, apply in the evening when temperatures are lower and water deeply to help nutrients move into the soil. Consider using a soil amendment such as biochar or compost to improve nutrient retention and soil biology.
Before applying any product, read and follow the manufacturer’s directions carefully. Wearing gloves and rinsing equipment after use protect you and your lawn. Keep a log of all treatments so you can track what works and adjust future applications accordingly.
Lawn Impressions LLC is your trusted local lawn care expert serving Lebanon and surrounding areas. Located at 3407 Pennyroyal Road, Franklin, Ohio 45005, we've been treating Ohio's unique clay soil and climate challenges for over a decade.
We proudly serve Warren County, Butler County, and Montgomery County including: Franklin, Lebanon, Dayton, Springboro, Centerville, Beavercreek, Middletown, Hamilton, West Chester, and Cincinnati.
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