Jerman Lawn Care turf Tips   The following tips are basically answers to a few of the most frequently asked questions regarding the everyday maintenance of a lawn. We hope that by following these few tips as closely as possible, you will allow your lawn to achieve its highest potential, combined with the services that we provide.     W A T E R I N G SPRING • Apply 1 inch per week SUMMER • Apply 1.5 inches per week FALL • Apply 1 inch per week     It is important to note that the best time of the day to water is between the hours of 5 am - 10 am, watering in the evening tends to leave the turf moist for a prolonged period of time which can induce fungal activity and eventually lead to diseased turf. However, if this timetable does not fit into your demanding schedule, then you should water when possible watering each area of your lawn for a period of 25 - 30 minutes each, every 2 - 3 days is usually a safe interval, depending upon rainfall amounts. As the climate cools in late September, watering can often be reduced to as little as twice per week.     FACTS: Grass plants are 90% water. Water is the #1 limiting factor in plant growth. Water is the key component in the photosynthesis process. Water must be consistent (amount and frequency to maintain vigor and color).   M O W I N G SPRING First mowing should be mowed down to 2.5 inches and bagged if possible. Continue to mow 2.5 to 3 inches. SUMMER Mowing becomes extremely important as the weather turns hot! FALL As the weather cools, you can begin to lower your mower back down under 3 inches   FACTS: Mowing becomes EXTREMELY important as the weather turns HOT! Mower shock occurs more often in hot weather and is due to one or more of the following reasons:   1. Too much of the grass blade is removed in a single mowing (more than 1/3rd of the leaf surface is removed). Even when the mower is set all the way up, mower shock can occur if the turf is over 4" when you mow. This is because the highest setting on most mowers is 3". 2. Mowing drought stressed turf. In hot dry weather, the turf should not be mowed. If the grass needs mowing, and it appears "thirsty", be sure to water first and mow a day later. 3. Dull blade. The blade should be sharpened for hot weather mowing. Dull blade scars the tips of the grass blade, and gives the turf an off-color appearance. 4. Mowing in the heat of the day is a no-no. It's harder on you too, but you get to back to air conditioning. Mow after 6pm or before 10am in hot weather. 5. Mowing too low (Not to be confused with mowing too much off). Mowing low in hot weather... • Increases weed germination. • Shrinks the root system. • Increases the evapotranspiration rate (water lost to the atmosphere).   Scalping in hot weather is likely to kill the turf and increase weed problems. This typically occurs in the parkway, when the mower's wheels run along the curb (instead of on the edge of the turf along the curb). If you bag the clippings, don't stop the mower on the turf, as the "heat soak" from the engine shaft could leave a brown spot. On another note, you should'nt be bagging anyway. If you mow often enough (and avoid bagging) you will...recycle nutrients and improve color retention...spend less of yourself behind the mower...and ease the strain on our landfills!     WHEN THERE IS A QUESTION OR CONCERN REGARDING THESE PRINCIPLES AND HOW THEY RELATE TO YOUR LAWN. PLEASE CONTACT US FOR FURTHER INFORMATION.