Compared to the southern states, the climate in Midwestern states, such as Minnesota is fairly mild during the summer season. That is not to say it does not reach above 90 degrees. Warm season grasses found in Florida are able to thrive in hotter temperature, but cool season grasses, as found in states such as Minnesota, do not withstand higher temperatures very well. Even cool season grasses can have difficulty thriving. Because of this fact it is very important to take the proper steps to prevent the grass from burning and dying.
Every summer, a large number of communities throughout the United States enact a water ban or set scheduled times when a home owner is permitted to water the lawn for the purposes of water conservation. Unfortunately, the grass will usually suffer without proper care. Extra watering during the afternoon hours is not the answer.
The best times to water are in the early morning hours before the heat of the day begins to develop. By watering when it is cooler, the home owner is allowing the water time to penetrate to the roots of the lawn. The key is to water for longer periods of time and letting enough time elapse for the soil to dry before starting another irrigation cycle. If the lawn is not given sufficient time to dry, the roots will then become waterlogged which will likely lead to fungus or mold.
As long as the grass is being cut regularly, but not too short, the lawn may only need a little help. Grass should never have more than a third of the total height removed during lawn mowing. Should the grass get cut too short, infrequently or cut with a dull lawnmower blade, the home owner is greatly increasing the chances the lawn will succumb to a disease.
A regular fertilizer regimen will also be of great benefit to the lawn in order to keep the lawn healthy. With so many choices of quality and type of fertilizer, fertilizing is always easier to leave to the professionals. However, should the home owner decide to take it upon themselves, it is important to select the correct type of fertilizer.
The series of three numbers listed on every bag of fertilizer refers to the percentages of Nitrogen, Phosphorous and Potassium. Although oversimplified, each of these elements provides the necessary nutrients for every plant or grass to grow. The easiest way to remember what each of these numbers mean is with the saying, "up, down and all around". Nitrogen helps the grass to grow up, while Phosphorous helps the plant or grass to form a strong root system. Potassium will allow the grass or plant to spread across the ground. None of this, however, will work without proper watering.
Sprinkler heads and the spray patterns and direction should be checked regularly. The easiest manner to do this is to put the system in test mode. Most irrigation timers, when placed in test mode, will cycle through each zone for approximately 2 minutes allowing the home owner enough time to adjust a sprinkler head or two. Should the distance of the spray be lacking, either a different spray head is needed or more likely that there is dirt or debris in the water line.
It is important for each home owner to verify that the sprinkler system is set to the proper frequency and duration per cycle. Many problems are not as simple as they appear. Unless the home owner is mechanically inclined, an irrigation company will probably be the best solution to repair and maintain the irrigation system.
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