June is when summer really starts to settle in. Lawns, gardens, and pastures are growing fast, hay season is underway, and pests become much more active once the heat and humidity build.
A few simple adjustments now can make a big difference through the rest of the summer, especially when it comes to keeping your lawn healthy.
Adjust Your Watering Schedule for Summer Heat
June 21st marks the Summer Solstice—the first official day of summer and usually the point where the real heat settles in.
This is the time to start paying closer attention to your watering schedule.
If your irrigation system has been running 5 or 10 minutes per station, you may need to increase the run time or begin watering in multiple cycles. The goal is to water deeper so your root system grows deeper into the soil.
Shallow roots lead to heat stress quickly during the hotter months.
A good rule of thumb is to water until the soil reaches field moisture capacity. That simply means the soil has absorbed all the moisture it can hold before excess water starts running off into the street.
In many cases, it’s better to let the system run, stop, allow the water to soak in, and then start another cycle. This helps the soil absorb moisture deeper instead of wasting water through runoff.
Deep watering now helps build a stronger lawn that can handle the stress of summer much better.
Watch for Chinch Bugs in St. Augustine
One of the biggest lawn problems this time of year is chinch bugs, especially in St. Augustine grass.
They usually show up in the hottest parts of the lawn—next to sidewalks, curbs, driveways, or other areas surrounded by pavement. At first, it often looks like the grass just needs water. The problem is, you keep watering and the turf continues to decline.
That’s usually a sign something else is going on.
Prompt action is important because chinch bugs can spread quickly once summer temperatures climb.
Two products that have worked well for long-term control are Imidacloprid and Bifenthrin.
- Imidacloprid is a systemic insecticide that works well on sucking and chewing insects
- Bifenthrin creates a residual barrier and affects the insect’s nervous system
An added benefit is both products can also help control grub worms.
The key is catching the problem early before larger sections of turf begin to thin out or turn brown.
Gray Leaf Spot Starts Showing Up in Late June
Late June is also prime time for gray leaf spot in St. Augustine lawns.
Like chinch bug damage, the grass will begin changing color and eventually start turning brown. The difference is gray leaf spot is a fungus caused by warm temperatures combined with high humidity.
The good news is it’s usually pretty easy to identify once you know what to look for.
Check the blades of grass closely. You’ll often see small dead spots with a rusty-colored ring around them. Once humidity and overnight moisture settle in, the fungus can spread fast.
Preventing Lawn Fungus Before It Spreads
There are several approaches that can help reduce fungus problems.
For organic lawn care programs, horticultural cornmeal is a popular option. A light layer of peat moss applied earlier in the season can also help support healthier soil conditions.
For traditional treatments, products like F-Stop are commonly used once fungus begins showing up.
Good watering practices also help. Watering deeply and earlier in the day gives the lawn time to dry out before evening, which can reduce moisture buildup that fungi thrive on.
Staying Ahead of Summer Lawn Problems
Most summer lawn problems are easier to manage when caught early.
Pay attention to areas that suddenly begin looking stressed, especially in full sun or near pavement. A quick inspection now can save a lot of frustration later in the summer.
If you’re unsure whether you’re dealing with insects, fungus, or heat stress, reach out to us or stop by the store and bring us a picture. We’re always happy to help you figure out the best approach for your lawn.
