Preparing for Summer

Preparing Your Neighborhood Lawn for Summer: The Importance of Edging and Mowing

As summer approaches, the warmth of the season beckons us outdoors to enjoy our yards and neighborhoods. A well-maintained lawn not only enhances the beauty of your home but also contributes to a vibrant community atmosphere. Two essential practices—edging and regular mowing—are key to preparing your lawn for summer and keeping it healthy and inviting. Here’s why these tasks matter and how to tackle them effectively.

Why Lawn Preparation Matters

Summer brings intense sunlight, heat, and often drought-like conditions, all of which can stress your grass. Preparing your lawn in advance strengthens its resilience, promotes growth, and prevents weeds from taking over. A neat, manicured lawn also boosts curb appeal, making your neighborhood a more pleasant place for everyone. Edging and mowing are foundational steps that set the stage for a thriving summer lawn.

The Importance of Edging

Edging is the unsung hero of lawn care. It involves trimming the grass along borders—sidewalks, driveways, flower beds, and pathways—to create clean, defined lines. This simple act does wonders for both aesthetics and functionality. Visually, edging gives your lawn a polished, professional look, elevating the entire neighborhood’s appearance. Functionally, it prevents grass from creeping into unwanted areas, reducing maintenance for adjacent spaces.

Beyond looks, edging helps control weeds and invasive plants that often sprout along boundaries. By cutting a shallow trench or using a string trimmer, you create a barrier that limits their spread. This is especially crucial in summer when weeds thrive in warm weather. Regular edging—about once every two weeks—keeps your lawn crisp and manageable throughout the season.

To edge effectively, invest in a quality edger or use a weed whacker with a steady hand. Start by outlining your borders, then trim excess grass at a consistent height. For a natural look, avoid overly sharp angles; gentle curves often blend better with the landscape. Dispose of clippings to prevent them from smothering your grass or inviting pests.

The Power of Regular Mowing

Mowing is the heartbeat of lawn care, and doing it right is critical for summer success. Keeping your grass at an optimal height—typically 2.5 to 3.5 inches, depending on the grass type—shades the soil, retains moisture, and discourages weeds. In summer’s heat, longer grass blades protect roots from scorching, while overly short cuts can weaken the lawn and invite bare patches.

Mow weekly or as needed, adjusting frequency based on growth rate. Avoid cutting more than one-third of the grass height at once; this prevents stress and keeps your lawn lush. Sharpen your mower blades regularly—dull blades tear grass, leaving it vulnerable to disease. And don’t bag those clippings! Leaving them on the lawn (if they’re short) acts as a natural fertilizer, returning nutrients to the soil.

Bringing It All Together

Start your summer prep by clearing debris, aerating if needed, and applying a pre-emergent weed killer. Then, edge your borders and mow strategically. Water deeply but infrequently—about an inch per week—to encourage strong roots. By prioritizing edging and mowing, you’ll create a lawn that’s not only summer-ready but also a neighborhood gem. A little effort now pays off in months of green, carefree enjoyment.