During the middle of summer, high temperatures and occasional drought stress lawns in Dayton. Proper watering helps lawns survive heat and conserve resources. This article provides practical watering tips for mid summer conditions in Dayton and nearby communities.
Increase irrigation depth during hot periods. Water infrequently but deeply, delivering about one inch of water once or twice per week depending on soil type and rainfall. Early morning watering reduces evaporation and fungal disease. Use a screwdriver test to determine when watering is needed; if the soil is dry two inches below the surface, it is time to irrigate.
Check your sprinkler system for proper coverage and adjust heads so they avoid sidewalks and driveways. On sloped areas water in shorter cycles to prevent runoff. Consider using a soaker hose or drip irrigation for landscape beds to reduce evaporation. Mulch around trees and shrubs conserves moisture. Allow cool season grasses to go dormant during extended drought rather than over watering. Dormant grass will green up when rains return.
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.
Apply a slow release fertilizer only when grass is actively growing. Cool season grasses in Southwest Ohio begin active growth once soil temperatures reach about sixty degrees. For most Dayton homeowners this means waiting until mid to late May. A soil test reveals nutrient levels and pH, helping you adjust with lime or sulfur if needed. Over fertilizing encourages rapid top growth at the expense of roots and can lead to runoff.
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.
With thoughtful watering practices, Dayton homeowners can help their lawns endure mid summer heat while conserving water. Deep irrigation, early morning schedules and system maintenance are key strategies.
Recognize signs of drought stress such as footprints that remain visible, leaf blades that fold lengthwise and a blue gray color. When these symptoms appear, water thoroughly to prevent permanent damage. Use a screwdriver or soil probe to check moisture depth after watering. Installing a rain sensor or soil moisture monitor can automate irrigation adjustments based on actual conditions, reducing water waste and preventing overwatering.
Adjust mowing height during drought to reduce stress on the grass. Taller blades shade the soil and conserve moisture. Avoid fertilizing during extreme heat, as nutrients can burn turf and encourage shallow roots. Postpone major lawn renovations until cooler weather returns.
Lawn Impressions LLC is your trusted local lawn care expert serving Dayton 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.
Call Lawn Impressions LLC today at (937) 748-9431 for your FREE estimate!
Email us at info@lawnimpressionsllc.com
Visit our website: https://www.lawnimpressionsllc.com
Read what our customers say | View our work
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Weekend appointments available
