Summer of 2013

Labor Day weekend is the unofficial end of summer and lawns are suffering from a lot of normal heat and drought stress associated with this time of year.  Although we started off the year with heavy rains in April and adequate rains in May the lawns dried up quickly in June, July and August.  June ended up at around normal rainfall due to a rainy last weekend of the month, but July and August are way behind in normal rainfall totals.  In fact according to Weatherbug as of today August 30th, August rainfall is a mere .17" in the Gurnee area.  Remember, 1-2" of precipitation is needed per week for turf grass to remain vigorous during the growing season.  As a result many non-irrigated full sunny areas of grass are fully dormant and brown.  Irrigated and or shaded areas are hanging on with green color but a heavy rainfall is definitely in order.

Non-irrigated full sun turf 8/30/2013

A lawn can resist the stresses of summer better when irrigated properly.  The lawn below has been irrigated with an in-ground system that started in June and is currently running 3 days a week providing the necessary 1-1/2" of needed precipitation for bluegrass/ ryegrass lawns found in the Northern Illinois area.  Not only is it irrigated properly the mowing has been delayed to maintain a steady 3" turf height throughout the summer.

Irrigated full sun turf 8/30/2013

Side-by side non-irrigated and irrigated turf 8/30/2013

Lawns can survive the summer months in various ways.  Irrigation and proper mowing really leaves a better looking lawn at the end of the day.  Otherwise the lawn will survive by going dormant and turning brown which can look quite unsightly at the end of the summer.  For further lawn care tips and or to inquire about lawn care services for Northen Illinois please contact your local Lawn Doctor today.

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