Spring is toodling along nicely, finally! We’ve had some interesting weather patterns to say the least. But lawn mowers have been revving up and turf is finally growing in. While it’s not summertime yet, it’s literally a matter of weeks before it will be here. Time to take a good look at your lawn, complete some turf tasks and maybe get a couple of tips that could help see you through this next upcoming season.
Tips for Spring and Summer Lawn Care
Is your lawn taking on a yellow tint? Have you been watering excessively? These are two signs that your lawn may be getting depleted of iron. Watering excessively during periods of high heat tends to cause our lawns to become chlorotic. Applying a chelated iron product like Hi-Yield Iron Plus can put the green back into your turf. The iron in this product is naturally chelated which makes it easier for your lawn to absorb. Always follow the directions on the label for correct application.
Summer pests are headed to your lawn. The time to apply control for grubs and ants is now; chinch bugs will be following closely behind. You have some options when it comes to pest control.
A natural option is to apply beneficial nematodes to your lawn. It is imperative that you water your lawn regularly when and after applying beneficial nematodes to keep them alive and working effectively. They also are most effective before the temps get too high, so applying before summer hits is best. Beneficial nematodes is a pollinator friendly and pest friendly pest control option. (P.S. They also work great in your garden beds and even container gardens.)
Synthetic options for these soil dwelling pests in your lawn include products that contain Imidacloprid, like Bonide Insect and Grub Control. (P.S. Both these products also help to control fleas and ticks.)
Now is the time to remember that the best time to water your lawn is in the morning hours. Stop watering at night! Warm weather and a wet lawn in the evening is the perfect breeding ground for fungus and bacteria to develop as the moisture just sits there and festers on the foliage.
Brown patch, a disease that used to only occur in fall, is now showing up in a lot of lawns in springtime. Preventing or treating with a labeled fungicide (Fertilome F-Stop, NitroPhos Eagle Specialty fungicide, or Heritage) may be necessary. See more about Brown Patch here.
Watering in the middle of the day when it is blazing hot is no good either as the majority of your water will evaporate too quickly. Set your sprinkler systems for the early morning hours. This allows the roots of your turf to get a nice, sufficient drink and any leftover moisture will dissipate as the afternoon warms up. Help yourself avoid dreaded disease in your lawn.Â
One more note about watering. We really haven’t had all that much rainfall this spring (2025). This makes the outlook for summer watering schedules somewhat grim. We are already in STAGE 3 watering restrictions and some of the hours have changed for when you are allowed to water with irrigation systems and sprinklers.
Although drip irrigations still has some regulations during certain water restriction stages, it is STILL a REALLY good system to install for your garden beds. You get to water more often through this system and it gets the water directly to the roots of plants where it is needed most. Installing it in spring when weathers aren’t blazing is so much more enjoyable than attempting this in summer. Just something to think about. Â
I hope that gives you a good heads up for what might be happening in your lawn in the upcoming months. As always, if you have specific questions about your lawn care or need any other gardening advice, you know where to go. Come see us at Rainbow Gardens!
~The Happy Gardener, Lisa Mulroy
