The summer heat is here, and most families are planning the weekend around their favorite pool or body of water. It gives us a sense of relaxation, even if you are playing lifeguard. Unfortunately, our lawns nearby are misunderstood. Heat and water don’t always mix well when it comes to what is below our feet.

Before you assume your grass is dead or is “burnt”, consider what it has experienced in recent weather cycles. A splash of water may feel good to our senses but won’t scratch the surface for proper soil moisture. Arid environments will require even more help from automated irrigation systems or manual watering.

Ascochyta leaf blight is a fungal disease that attacks grass blades, especially cool-season grasses like:

• Kentucky bluegrass

• Perennial ryegrass

• Tall fescue

You will often see streaking in your lawn from mowing patterns or blotchy areas with bleached grass tips. Luckily, it is mainly aesthetic and will be corrected with the right cultural practices. What you’re seeing above the ground is a result of what is underneath.

Maintaining frequent and high mowing, along with deep and infrequent watering, will promote the healthiest root & crown of the grass plant. A slow-release nitrogen fertilizer will help the lawn grow out of the damage. Any kind of organic matter or moisture retention compounds will improve water infiltration even further.

Make your lawn feel like a week-long vacation instead of that monthly pool party!