Cool-Season Lawns: Summer Dormancy and Best Practices
Indianapolis homeowners who take pride in their lush, green lawns might notice a change when the summer heat sets in. The once vibrant grass may begin to lose its color, and the lawn may appear less healthy. If you have a cool-season lawn, this seasonal shift is typical. But what exactly are cool-season lawns, and why do they go dormant in the summer? More importantly, why is it crucial to continue watering them during this period? At SunBlest Lawn Care, we understand the unique needs of Indianapolis lawns and offer various services to keep them looking their best year-round.
What Are Cool-Season Lawns?
Cool-season lawns are prevalent in regions like Indianapolis because they thrive in cooler climates. These grasses, such as Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, tall fescue, and fineleaf fescue, grow most actively during the spring and fall when temperatures are moderate. They are known for their fine texture, rich color, and ability to withstand the cold winters typical of the Midwest.
Why Do Cool-Season Lawns Go Dormant in the Summer?
Cool-season grasses need frequent watering to maintain their lush appearance in intense summer heat. To survive the stress of high temperatures and reduced moisture, they enter a state of dormancy. During dormancy, the grass’s growth slows, and its color fades to a yellow or brown hue. Dormancy is a natural defense mechanism that allows the grass to conserve energy and water until cooler, more favorable conditions return.
Summer Care for Cool-Season Lawns
Proper summer watering and care are essential to maintaining a healthy lawn that will flourish in the fall. In an article for Michigan Fresh, a Michigan State University Extension program publication, Bob Beircut suggests that cool-season lawns should receive half to one-and-a-one-half inches of supplemental watering to maintain active growth. Moreover, morning and early afternoon are promoted as ideal times for supplemental watering; evening water application could cause the development of fungus diseases in a lawn.
SunBlest Lawn Care specializes in maintaining the health and beauty of cool-season lawns, even during the challenging summer months. Our comprehensive lawn care services are designed to meet the specific needs of central Indiana lawns. We ensure your lawn remains resilient and ready to thrive when cooler weather returns. Our team of experts understands the delicate balance required to care for cool-season lawns and can provide the guidance and services needed to keep your lawn in top shape. Contact us at (317) 279-4829 to learn how we can help your lawn look its best, no matter the season. We proudly serve communities across Indianapolis and the surrounding areas, including Fishers, Carmel, Noblesville, Westfield, and more.
