As the summer starts to wind down, now is not the time to get complacent with your lawn care routine. The heat of the long summer days can really wear on your lawn over time. If you let certain issues get out of hand, things can easily take a turn for the worse and potentially leave you dealing with lasting issues. That’s why it’s important to stay diligent with lawn maintenance and keep an eye out for warning signs that you can address before the summer season comes to an end. If you aren’t sure of what to look out for, the following article is going to help out in a big way.

There are certain signs of summer lawn stress that experienced landscapers will instantly recognize. However, if you aren’t experienced or haven’t dealt with summer lawn stress issues before, you might have a hard time recognizing the signs. That’s why we’ve put together the following list of common signs of summer lawn stress so that you know exactly what to keep an eye out for. After reading through this list, you should be able to instantly recognize when there’s an issue and take action quickly to avoid letting it get worse. This article is brought to you by Cal Blend Soils, the leading supplier of landscaping products in California. Reach out to our team today to learn more about how our products can help you achieve your landscaping goals.

Summer Lawn Stress Sign #1 – Changes in Grass Color

One of the classic signs that your grass is likely experiencing issues in the summer is when you notice mild discoloration or brown patches. When grass is in a stressed-out state, it can be easily infected with plant diseases or fungal problems. Although some grass will fade a little bit during the summer, if you notice that it is changing from a deep green to a bluish-gray, the chances are good that your grass is not getting enough water or having issues.

If you notice brown patches, you might be dealing with a fungal problem. This is a serious issue that should be dealt with quickly so that other areas of your lawn aren’t affected. The best way to avoid letting things get out of hand is to look out for changes in the color of your grass as the summer progresses.

Summer Lawn Stress Sign #2 – Visible Footprints

Part of the reason why landscapers work hard on creating a beautiful outdoor area is so that they can spend time outside with their friends and family. With that said, if you have heavy amounts of foot traffic on your grass, it can lead to lawn care issues that must be addressed. When your lawn is experiencing stress due to heat or drought, it has a tendency to show footprints after someone has walked on it.

This is another classic sign that your lawn is under stress during the summer. When the grass starts to dry out, it is less elastic and takes longer to recover from physical stress. That’s why you should keep an eye out for visible footprints on your lawn and get your grass some extra water if you notice them.

Summer Lawn Stress Sign #3 – Soil Dryness

We all know how important it is to maintain the soil on our landscapes. Without the right levels of nutrients, moisture, and water your soil will dry out and leave your lawn starving for what it needs to grow. You might be wondering what the best way to test your soil for dryness is. It’s actually simpler than you might think.

If you want to check your soil to see if it is dry, you can try pushing a screwdriver directly into the soil where the grass seems to be dry or discolored. If it does not penetrate the soil easily, that means your soil is dry and that your lawn is likely dealing with issues related to a lack of water.

Summer Lawn Stress Sign #4 – Weeds and Pests

Another classic sign that your lawn is under duress in the summer is when you notice things like weeds and pests. Weeds tend to move in when your grass is struggling, and they can consequently lead to bigger issues later on down the road. Weeds also are known to thrive in hot weather, which means you need to be extra careful when you notice them sprouting up. The big problem with weeds is that they take away valuable nutrients from your grass, which in turn can slowly kill it.

If you are dealing with pests, its another classic sign of summer lawn stress. Pests can cause your lawn to turn brown and can be difficult to get rid of if you let them get out of control. Some of the most common insects that are known to impact lawn care in the summer include white grubs, army worms, and chinch bugs. Make sure you keep an eye out for pests as it could be a sign of lawn trouble in the summer.

How to Keep Your Lawn Healthy During the Summer

Now that we know some of the classic signs that of summer lawn stress, it’s a good idea to review some of the best ways to make sure your lawn stays healthy throughout the summer. First, we know how important it is to establish a regular watering routine that keeps your lawn hydrated. You should also stick to a regular mowing schedule and ensure that you aren’t mowing your lawn too short, as this can put extra stress on your grass. Adding great landscaping products like fertilizers and topsoil into the mix can also be very helpful. If you are interested in learning more about how landscaping products can benefit your lawn, reach out to Cal Blend Soils today. We offer discounts on bulk purchases of our landscaping supplies and can even have them delivered to you for added convenience.