During the scorching summer months, the last thing I desire is a lackluster lawn, especially since this is when I can relish its use the most. It’s paramount to understand the optimal timing for mowing the lawn in hot weather to ensure its vitality and allure.
So, as a seasoned lawn care specialist, let me guide you to the essential insights you need to maintain a healthy and aesthetically pleasing lawn.
Summer Weather and the Growth of Grass
Warm-season grasses like Bermuda, which grows in USDA zones 7 through 10; Centipede, which grows in USDA zones 7 through 10; and St. Augustine, which grows in USDA zones 8 through 10, grow faster and thrive in the heat.
A well-fertilized lawn promotes thick grass, keeps weeds at bay, and cools the soil. When the weather warms up, water your lawn 1 inch per week. Avoid shallow, frequent watering when it’s hot out because it promotes short root growth, stressing the blades during a heat spell.
How Often Should You Mow Your Lawn in the Summer
Since grass grows about an inch in three to five days, you should mow your lawn every four days during the summer.
Your lawn care routine will also influence how fast your grass grows – the better you care for it, the healthier it will be and the longer it will grow! You should learn to trust your instincts for a healthy lawn all year.
Cutting Length
It is preferable to leave the grass longer in hot weather. You can leave it at 4 inches, the ideal length for cool-season grasses, and 2 inches is the perfect length for warm-season grasses.
Longer grass encourages the roots to extend deeper into the soil, where they are protected from the heat and have access to more water. It will also be beneficial to do deep watering less frequently during these months.
The Best Time to Mow Your Lawn During Hot Months
The optimal time to mow the lawn is in the evening, after the heat of the day has subsided. This allows the grass to rest during the night and retain moisture without the intense sun exposure.
In the morning, any dew or irrigation will provide essential moisture to the grass before it faces the heat of the day again.
Mowing your lawn between 8 and 10 a.m. during mid-morning is recommended. This timeframe allows the grass to dry and heal before the rising temperatures stress it. Mowing later in the day can risk overheating your mower and strain on your lawn.
Keep your yard healthy and vibrant by timing your mowing sessions accordingly. Temperatures between 40F (10C) and 80F (26C) are ideal for mowing grass. Grass will not grow below that temperature. Above that temperature, grass becomes heat-stressed or dies.
The Worst Times to Mow During Hot Months
Between 6 a.m. and 8 a.m.is one of the worst times to cut your grass. The morning dew will leave the grass still damp, which can clog your mower. When the soil is too wet, a lawnmower can leave behind unsightly tracks that may be highly damaging to your lawn.
You should also not mow between 2 and 4 p.m. since this is the hottest part of the day, and the mower will struggle in this heat. The heat can also contribute to turf stress.
Health and Safety Tips
Assess Your Lawn Before Mowing
Evaluate the lawn before mowing and check if the grass goes dormant in the summer; if it does, it’s most likely due to heat stress or drought.
When your grass blades begin to dry out from the top down, your yard will turn a hazy shade of brown, which is a sign of heat stress or drought.
When this happens, walking on your grass will cause it to become crunchy, leaving a visible trail of footprints. The grass is in such bad condition due to the heat that the blades begin to break apart when touched.
Protect Yourself
Heat exhaustion [1] is a serious matter. It can occur when you engage in physical activity in high temperatures.
There are numerous symptoms, but the most common are fatigue, nausea, dizziness, light-headedness, and excessive sweating. Heat exhaustion (and heat stroke) can be fatal if left untreated.
If you are mowing your lawn and begin to feel the effects of summer heat, I recommend that you stop all activity, move to a cool place, rest, and drink plenty of water. It’s too hot to mow your lawn right now.
Stay Hydrated
Drink plenty of water, especially if you’re taking electrolytes. Avoid sports drinks; instead, opt for coconut water, electrolyte packages such as Gastrolyte, or make your own.
Conclusion
As an expert in lawn care, I can’t stress enough the significance of understanding the optimal time of day to mow your lawn during the scorching summer months. Equally vital is safeguarding yourself, the hardworking individual behind the mower.
Following these considerations, your next priority should be preventing your grass from wilting prematurely. If circumstances necessitate delaying your mowing schedule, exercise patience and wait for cooler weather to ensure the health and vitality of your lawn.
You've probably seen his down-to-earth wisdom in USA Today, Bobvila, Family Handyman, and The Spruce, where he has shared commentary and guidance on various woodworking topics.
Robert is the brain behind Sawinery, where he aims to share tips, tricks, and a passion for all things carpentry.
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