6/10/2024 - By Harrell's

As summer draws near, lawn care operators are shifting focus from spring green up to maintaining resilient turf capable of enduring summer stress. Seasonal changes bring a host of challenges, including the possibility of increased customer callbacks or complaints. At Harrell’s, we are committed to helping lawn care operators and fertilization and weed control companies grow greener lawns, have happier customers, and build healthier businesses. 

Part of that effort includes supporting you as you work to weather seasonal changes and summer stress. Here are 9 tips to ensure your turf stays in excellent condition throughout the growing season.

Ensure Sufficient Nutrient Supply

Turf lacking essential nutrients will struggle to handle and recover from summer stress. Providing adequate nitrogen and supplementing other necessary nutrients will bolster the turf's ability to withstand stress and recover. Both warm and cool-season grasses are more susceptible to disease under nitrogen-deficient conditions.

POLYON®controlled-release fertilizer meters out nutrients in a consistent, predictable, dependable manner, ensuring that your turf doesn’t go hungry, even during times of seasonal stress.

Utilize Seaweed Extract and Fulvic Acid

Seaweed extract, along with fulvic and humic acids, are scientifically proven to enhance turf resilience and promote root development. Seaweed extract helps maintain photosynthetic efficiency under stressful conditions, while humic and fulvic acids improve root growth and soil micronutrient availability. Combining seaweed extract and humic acid is more effective for stress tolerance and root growth than using them separately. Apply these substances preventatively in spring before the onset of heat stress for best results.

Optimize Mower Settings

Balancing healthy turf maintenance with client expectations can be challenging. Lowering the mowing height to achieve a desired look increases turf stress. During summer, many grass types reduce physiological activity as a survival strategy. Increasing mowing heights during stressful periods maximizes photosynthesis and stress tolerance.

Maintain Potassium Levels

Potassium enhances turfgrass stress tolerance when maintained at adequate levels in leaf tissue. However, soil tests often reveal potassium deficiencies. Spring core aeration is an ideal time to correct soil nutrient imbalances. Apply a potassium-rich fertilizer during spring aeration to ensure controlled nutrient release throughout the season, benefiting both cool and warm-season turfs.

Apply Wetting Agents

Overwatering to keep lawns green can create more problems by reducing soil aeration and increasing heat retention. Wetting agents, like Harrell’s SprayMAX® Fleet® 100, distribute water evenly through the soil profile, improving air-filled porosity and moderating soil temperatures. Ensure thorough watering-in of wetting agents to enhance consistent water distribution in the root zone.

For a complete guide to Harrell’s SprayMAX® line and other Harrell’s products, visit the online product guide here.

Use Systemic Fungicides

Systemic fungicides provide not only disease control but also a valuable potassium source and stress mitigation. Research shows their effectiveness in reducing turf stress, improving quality, and suppressing diseases. Integrate systemic fungicides into your regular foliar fertility program throughout the growing season to assist in defending your lawns.

For example, Harrell's ProtectMAX® Title Phyte® Systemic Fungicide is not only a quality potassium source; it also aids in the fight against turf stress and disease. University research has demonstrated the effectiveness of Title Phyte in mitigating turf stress, enhancing turfgrass quality, and suppressing pythium outbreaks. Title Phyte should be applied as part of a regular foliar fertility program throughout the growing season.

Implement Preventative Fungicide Programs

Preventative fungicide applications are crucial for maintaining high-quality turf during summer. Selecting the right product and timing applications correctly are vital. Consider factors like site history, current weather, disease pressure, and turf type when planning fungicide applications. Many fungicides offer additional plant health benefits beyond disease control, making them essential for a summer fungicide rotation.

Consult Your Harrell’s Lawn Care Representative

Your local Harrell's lawncare Representative is a valuable resource, offering insights and advice. They regularly visit various lawns and properties, gathering knowledge about successful strategies and common challenges, and they are intent on helping you build a healthier lawn care business. If you encounter new or tough turf problems this season, don't hesitate to reach out to your rep for expert guidance.