July Tips
LAWNS AND LANDSCAPING

Contact: Diane Relf, Extension Specialist, Environmental Horticulture

October 1996

  • During hot, July weather, be sure to mow your lawn to the appropriate height. This reduces water loss and helps lower soil temperatures. Leave clippings on the lawn to decompose.

  • For best growth of turf, water your lawn to a depth of 4 to 6 inches. Then do not water the lawn for about one week.

  • Plant trees at least 6 feet away from sidewalks and concrete pools, so growing roots do not crack the concrete.

  • Observe the lawn area and the shade it receives. Plan to thin major shade trees next spring to increase light reaching patchy turf.

  • Proper watering means deep soaking. Light sprinkling is often harmful, especially on lawns. Wet the soil to the bottom of the roots (5 to 6 inches deep).

  • A brown or grayish cast over lawns can be caused by dull or improperly adjusted mower blades that shred grass rather than cut it.

    Monthly Tips have been prepared since 1986 by various staff of the Office of Consumer Horticulture including Ellen Bennett, Michelle Buckstrup, Susan Day, Susan DeBolt, Sharon Dendy, Kate Dobbs, Sheri Dorn, David Gravell, Virginia Nathan, Jenny Shuster, Ellen Silva, and Ruth Sorenson. Resource material for the development of this information includes the Virginia Master Gardener Handbook; Extension Publications and newsletters from VCE, numerous other states, and the USDA; and an extensive library of over 900 books, magazines, and journals. Project funded by The Virginia Gardener Newsletter subscription fees. Diane Relf, Project Director and Content Specialist.

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