Heat, Wind & Your Lawn

What Mid-Michigan homeowners can expect in their landscape this week.

This week’s forecast is promising the most significant heatwave so far this summer. Not only is it going to be hot, but there is expected to be significant wind, which may sound like sweet relief from the heat, but not for your lawn. With temps climbing into the high 90’s this week, paired with windy conditions, your lawn is going to be begging for water.

Temperature is not your lawn’s biggest enemy this week, it’s the wind. When the temps approach the upper 90’s with winds between 11-14 mph, evaporation occurs quickly. Steady wind removes the layer of moisture surrounding the grass blades causing both the turf and soil to dry out much faster than on calm days.

Is your lawn more susceptible to damage?

Even though the recent rainfall has everything looking green and lush, the upcoming weather conditions can cause even a healthy lawn to show signs of heat stress within 48-72 hours.

If your lawn displayed signs of stress during the dry spring, it is likely to be more vulnerable to our upcoming hot and dry conditions. It can be expected that root systems already have experienced damage and are weakened, shallow, and less established, meaning they can decline much faster once extreme conditions return.

Is your irrigation system ready to handle the heat?

Sprinkler systems can gradually develop issues during the growing season, including clogged nozzles, misaligned heads, leaks, or areas with poor coverage. Problems like these often go unnoticed until a heatwave exposes them through dry spots and stressed turf.

Scheduling a mid-season check now can ensure; your lawn is getting the amount of water it needs, each zone is operating properly, water isn’t being wasted on sidewalks and driveways, and that your lawn is receiving consistent, even coverage before the hottest weather arrives.

We’re here to help!

If your lawn has already endured a challenging spring or early summer, don’t wait until brown patches appear before you take action. The combination of high heat and wind can cause event healthy landscapes significant stress. Ensuring your irrigation system is operating efficiently now is the best way to protect your lawn through the hottest weather of the summer.

If you’d like one of our irrigation techs to come out, evaluate your system, and make necessary adjustment give us a call at 989-835-8260 and prevent damage before it’s too late.