Smarter Way to Protect Your Lawn During Hot Nights

Fertilizing during peak summer heat requires caution and precision. Applying too much nitrogen too soon can backfire, fueling excess top growth, raising water demands, and encouraging disease.

Follow these expert-backed tips to manage fertilization wisely:

• Go Easy on Nitrogen:
  During mid-summer, extension programs across the Southeast recommend no more than ¼ pound of actual nitrogen per 1,000 ft², and only when grass shows visible fading. Excess nitrogen forces top growth, increasing water demand and vulnerability to disease.
  
  
• Avoid Forcing Growth:
  Tall fescue can withstand temporary dormancy during hot weather. Pushing it to stay green through high-nitrogen feeding risks triggering brown patch disease and significantly increases irrigation needs.
  
  
• Watch Night Temperatures:
  Resume a more balanced feeding routine only once nighttime temperatures fall below 70°F, typically in early September. Cooler conditions support safer nutrient uptake and better root development.
  
  
• Targeted Fertility = Long-Term Health:
  Feeding lightly during summer helps the lawn conserve energy and moisture, while still preserving its ability to bounce back once fall arrives.
  
  
• Trust the Experts:
  A reputable lawn service in Clifton VA can assess lawn color, soil condition, and seasonal timing to apply the right amount of fertilizer at the right moment, without overdoing it.

A well-managed summer fertility plan supports resilience, reduces stress, and sets your tall fescue lawn up for a strong fall recovery. Want to learn more? Take a look at our latest blog post: Drought-Resistant Turf: Best Tall Fescue Practices for Hot, Dry Summers

Beat the Summer Heat: Your Tree Care Cheat Sheet

 

Long, hot days can push even established shade trees past their comfort zone. Watch for wilted leaves at midday, off‑color foliage, and brittle twigs that snap instead of bend. Check soil moisture by probing six inches deep—a dry or warm feel means it’s time to act before stress invites pests or leaf scorch.

Purposeful Pruning

Late spring through early summer is the sweet spot for light trimming. Remove crossing, rubbing, or dead limbs—keeping cuts to less than 25% of the live crown—to prevent weak spots and insect entry. Always slice just outside the branch collar for clean healing, and leave extensive canopy work or power‑line clearance to insured professionals.

Deep Root Hydration

Skip quick sprinkler cycles. Instead, direct a slow trickle of hose water to the drip line for 30–40 minutes, ensuring deep penetration into compacted soil. Clay and loam hold moisture differently, so adjust soak times and check twice weekly. For new trees, build a simple berm around the root zone and water in the cooler morning hours to minimize evaporation.

Mulch Magic

A three‑inch layer of organic mulch—shredded bark, compost‑enriched chips, or leaf mold—provides a natural insulation blanket. Start three inches from the trunk and extend to the drip line to lock in moisture, regulate soil temperature, and feed beneficial microbes as it breaks down. Rake and aerate in mid‑July to prevent matting and fungal mats.

Watchful Maintenance

Conduct weekly strolls under the canopy to spot storm‑split branches, fungal fruiting bodies, or sudden leaf drop. Small issues often respond to target pruning, but dangerous or large‑scale removals call for a certified arborist’s skill.

Unlock every tip and technique in our complete summer tree care playbook: Summer Tree Health: Pruning, Hydration, and Mulch Strategies for Lasting Shade.