The certified professionals at Pugh’s Earthworks are experienced at controlling and preventing drought damage to commercial landscapes
Pugh's Earthworks Summer time is here. Some parts of the country are already feeling record heat for mid June. It does not take many days of this excessive heat to dry out the soil. You start to see signs of early drought as grasses and plants show signs of discoloration and stress. The certified landscape professionals at Pugh's Earthworks are trained and knowledgeable regarding detecting, preventing and treating commercial landscapes that are in early or late stages of drought and heat stress. We understand that having a lawn with deep roots helps protect it when it gets so hot during those summer months. It is those deep roots that hold the water and keep the grass cooler so that it won't die out from the excessive heat. Here are some lawn maintenance tips to promote those deep roots for your lawn. Soil Start with cultivating the topsoil. Sandy loam or well-drained loam gives roots the ability to stretch out and grow. If you have sandy soil, know that it doesn’t retain water very well. That's when you will need to add organic matter, which delivers the necessary nutrients and increases water retention. Water Keep this soil moist. Grass needs at least an inch of water weekly. However, you don't need to water every day. It is actually infrequent watering that encourages deep root growth. Water must get below the root zone to help nourish the roots so they can become deeper. An automatic sprinkler system helps ensure that your lawn receives the right amount of water at the right time. Mowing Mow frequently and keep grass at the right height for the type of grass you have. For example, grass with large crowns or clumps, which is typically Kentucky bluegrass or tall fescue, should be mowed at a much taller height. In contrast, Zoysia grass should have a shorter mowing. Whatever kind of grass you have, be sure to mow no more than one-third of the blade lengths at a time. This stimulates growth and protects the roots. Fertilizer Fertilize at the end of the growing season to achieve strong root growth. Slow-release fertilizers are often touted as the best for promoting the growth of the grass roots. AgriGro biostimulants have also been proven to increase root growth. This is because these substances help plants endure environmental stress better than those that were not treated. Other Maintenance You can also encourage strong roots by giving them plenty of room to grow. This means pulling any weeds, which have root systems that like to choke the roots of the grass. Plus, it involves periodic aeration, which allows air and water to reach the roots. Use a core aerator, which will reduce soil compaction. That way, the water can penetrate all the way down to the roots Be sure to also remove what is known as thatch by using a rake to clear this dead organic material and grass clippings from the soil. From following these tips, you'll most likely improve the chances [...]
