With July comes some of the hottest temperatures we will see throughout the year. July is often the wettest month in this area. Unfortunately, this rain usually comes in heavy downpours for short periods of time, typically in the afternoon or evening. Evening precipitation, with warm nighttime temperatures, creates favorable conditions for fungal growth. With the hot daytime temperatures, the soil can completely dry up within hours.
Your cool season turf is in survival mode. The hot temperatures stress it out, the wet evenings favor disease, and dry conditions in between rains keep it thirsty. I will be applying more fungicide this month, in an effort to prevent disease. Weeds will be spot treated, if temps are below 90 degrees, to avoid turf injury.
We were lucky to have some good rainfall in May, but June was more on the dry side. Lawns without irrigation are browning. Watering your lawn is still the most important thing you, as a homeowner, can control. Every morning is ideal but do the best that you can. Remember, watering early in the morning, before sunrise, is the best practice.
As usual, call, text, or email with any questions!