What to Know about Lawn Care and California Summers?

Resource Landscaping has some hot tips about summer lawn maintenance and is ready to share them with all the great communities in Southern California.

1. Regular watering creates a healthy growing environment.
2. Don’t cut your grass too short.
3. Monitor your yard for pests.
4. Native plants are essential to having great curb appeal.
5. Having a lawn maintenance service will enhance your home.

Living in an area with sunshine 284 days a year and temperatures averaging above 80 degrees, you would think this is the best place on earth to live; close enough! You should also know Southern California summers have dry, hot, rain-free days that bring bouts of drought that can last for years. Did you know the longest California drought lasted from 2011-2019? It’s no wonder why most homeowners bring in a professional lawn maintenance service to handle their lawn care.    

With so many different types of grass, you want to make sure you are starting with a solid foundation for a healthy lawn. St Augustine is a warm-season grass that isn’t drought-resistant but, with proper watering, can give good results. However, if you want grass that will hold up during those hot summer days, then a bermudagrass that is drought tolerant is the better choice. Whichever grass you choose, the most important thing is to keep up with your lawn care. 

Sure, you have heard this before, but you shouldn’t mow your grass too short. When you leave the grass longer, it retains water and creates a stronger root system. This allows the grass to protect itself against diseases, insects, and drought conditions. It also will deter weeds which we all know can be one of your biggest problems. A good height is anywhere from 2 ½ to 3 inches. 

Don’t mow in the afternoon as the sun is the hottest and can damage the grass. Mow about 2-3 times a week unless you have extreme heat. If you mow when it’s too hot, you are only adding more stress to your lawn. You may also want to change the direction you cut the grass as it gives a more even appearance and helps with soil compaction. 

As beautiful as California is when it comes to weather, it also brings its challenges. With only having 34 days of rain each year, having an irrigation system is essential to maintaining a healthy yard that will thrive throughout every season.  

Did you know that if you water frequently and for a shorter time, it will create shallow roots?  An inch of water a week is all you need to keep a lush green lawn. A good indication of whether you need to water your lawn is when footprints stay on your lawn without bouncing back.  

If your lawn covers a large area of your property, then a sprinkler system is the best choice as you can set up different stations on a timer so that you have the proper water coverage to maintain a healthy lawn. The disadvantage of a sprinkler system is that the water can evaporate before it soaks into the ground, especially on a windy day. 

As you try to tackle those hot summer days, you need to find the best solution when watering your plants and trees. This is when a drip irrigation system will be the best option. The system runs 4-6 inches underground and gets directly to the plant’s root. This helps to alleviate any water evaporating and moisture sitting on the leaves. Did you know that when water sits on leaves, it can cause diseases and damage your plants?

Although California doesn’t have the number of pests like other states, it has its fair share of insects that can cause extensive damage to your yard. Some of the common pests that may visit your yard are cutworms, sod webworms, billbugs, armyworms, and white grubs. Each of these insects attacks anywhere from the root of a plant to its leaves. 

The most common pest that can cause significant damage to your lawn is white grubs. You will notice these pests in the summer, and it will cause your grass to look dry and wilted. If the grass easily peels back, then you know that you have a pest problem. 

The best treatment for getting rid of white grubs is to call in a professional, as the last thing you want is for it to spread and take over a more extensive section of your lawn. We offer superior lawn maintenance packages to determine which pests are in your yard and identify what the best treatment will be to bring your lawn back to that healthy, lush green appearance. Keep in mind the best way to save money, and your lawn is to have preventative lawn maintenance services!

Are you looking for a sure way to keep your yard looking healthy during those hot summer months, then you need to start by choosing native plants and trees. Did you know that California has over 6500 varieties of native plants? Most of them are unique to the state. 

If you want to have a healthy yard, we recommend planning your landscaping design to include these native plants, as it will jumpstart a healthy yard for years to come. Keep in mind Southern California hardiness zones are 9a, 9b,10a,10b, and 11a, all of which will give outstanding results in your yard.  The most significant benefit is that native plants require less water which will only help during those long hot days of drought. 

Are you ready for the hottest tip of the day?

Let our experienced team give you your summers back to enjoy time with your family and not spending scorching hot days in the sun maintaining your property. Whether it’s mowing, trimming, edging, mulching, weed control, aeration, or fertilizer treatments, we know what your yard needs and how to keep it looking its best! We will provide you with superior lawn maintenance services that will fit any budget.