Summer is the season of freshly manicured lawns and the smell of freshly cut grass but if not managed correctly it could cause a decline in appearance and loss of money. Summertime in Florida can throw many challenges causing peak stress when managing your lawns. Heat, humidity, and rainfall variability are just a few examples of environmental factors that can cause stress in your lawn. Many lawn problems are caused by improper cultural practices that do not work to help combat the environmental stressors. Following Best Management Practices (BMPs) for mowing, fertilization, and pest management will all help with summertime management. This article will discuss the top 5 most common mistakes and the solutions that homeowners make when managing their lawns in the summertime.
Mistake #1: Mowing Too Short (Scalping)
Mowing too short or scalping can cause multiple issues with your lawn. Removing too much leaf tissue can cause physiological stress which will create challenges for the plants to adapt to various environmental conditions like drought, heat, cold, and nutrient deficiency. Scalping leads to shallow roots, drought sensitivity, and pest susceptibility causing it to be a major contributor of turf decline. UF/IFAS recommended to follow species-specific mowing heights, for example St. Augustine should be mowed at a height of 3.5 to 4 inches. Following the 1/3 rule of never removing more than one-third of the grass blade will minimize the opportunity to scalp. Higher mowing heights will improve root depth and stress tolerance.
Mistake #2: Overwatering or Irrigating on a Schedule Instead of “As Needed”
Over watering can lead to opportunity for disease pressure and root rot, shallow root systems and increased weeds and thatch. UF/IFAS recommends water only when the grass shows drought tress signs like leaf folding or the ability to see footprints as you walk through the lawn. Applying ½ – ¾ inch per irrigation event is the recommended amount. When you plan to water it is recommended to water early in the morning to reduce the risk of disease. If you are on a timed irrigated system adjust accordingly to rainfall, it is ok to turn the system of during periods of heavy rains to reduce the risk of overwatering.
Mistake #3: Applying to Much Nitrogen in Summer
Over applying Nitrogen in the summertime can cause issues with your lawn. Excess Nitrogen encourages rapid, weak growth, increase disease and pest pressure and contributes to thatch. Low input grasses like centipede that are prone to decline when Nitrogen is over applied. UF/IFAS recommends using moderate, slow-release fertilizer. It is also important to take soil samples to base application rates on what your turf or grasses really need.
Mistake #4: Ignoring Early Signs of Insect and Lawn Stress
Pest like southern cinch bugs or army worms can rapidly destroy turf if not detected quickly. As the summer heat continues to rise the damage will spread. UF/IFAS recommends scouting regularly and identifying pests before treating them. When scouting look for yellowing or brown patches and damage alongside edges of effected areas. It I important to maintain proper mowing, watering and fertility to reduce pest outbreaks.
Mistake #5: Poor Overall Management (Ignoring BMPs)
As mentioned before, many issues come from a combination of improper mowing, excess irrigation, and excess fertilization. Doing these things for a long period of time will lead to long-term decline rather than immediate failure. UF/IFAS recommends following the Florida-Friendly Landscaping principles like integrating scouting, proper mowing, reducing overwatering, and responsible fertilization. Maintaining you lawn health through consistent, not excessive, inputs.
In conclusion summer lawn success in Florida depends on avoiding common mistakes that are made with management decisions. UF/IFAs research shows that when less water that is applied correctly is better, less fertilizer is often better and proper mowing is critical to our success. Remember the right practice + right timing = healthy lawn!
For more information, please reach out to your local UF/IFAS Extension Office!
Sources:
Mowing Your Florida Lawn – Gardening Solutions
Watering-Your-Florida-Lawn.pdf
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