HOW TO MAINTAIN A HEALTHY LAWN IN THE TEXAS SUMMER HEAT

For Texas lawns, each season brings unique challenges to maintaining a healthy and vibrant stand of turf. Different times of the year bring its own host of pests, disease, and weather patterns to protect against. This summer, we have been challenged by extreme heat and drought which has resulted in an abundance of turf tracking.

WHAT IS TURF TRACKING? WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS? HOW DOES IT HAPPEN?

Turf Tracking is a phenomena where unsightly lines appear in the grass, shortly after the lawn is mowed. The appearance causes concern because it can look like a chemical burn or leaking gasoline from a mower. Not to worry! Although it is undesirable, the damage is not permanent. Simple changes to mowing patterns and watering schedules will clear up the issue within a couple of weeks.

Turf Tracking happens because of a lack of leaf turgidity. Turgidity is the physical quality created by the volume of water stored in the cell tissue of plant material. This water protects the cell tissues within the grass and provides the quality, known as turgor pressure, that allows the leaf blades to pop back up after being walked on or mowed over.

HOW TO FIX TURF TRACKING

What is important is how to fix the problem once it occurs. Mowing tall, mowing in opposite directions each trip, and maintaining an effective watering strategy in the face of watering regulations during times of drought will keep your turf grass flourishing in the summer heat and drought.

HOW TO WATER YOUR TEXAS LAWN PROPERLY

In order to water properly and operate within the regulations of municipal water restrictions, one is allowed to water in the morning between 6am – 10am and again in the evening between 6pm and 10pm. Note: It is essential to avoid watering during the night to avoid fungal problems.

During these regulated times, you can run your stations multiple times. It is recommended to water 3 times per day on the watering day for 5-6 minutes per station. This allows for optimal absorption and limits wasteful runoff.

Caring for lawns in Texas in the summer is a full contact sport sometimes. Yet, following these steps will help you maintain a great looking lawn during these harsh climate conditions. We’re always here to serve our customers and we hope you find this guide helpful.

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