Healthy turf will bounce back from a summer drought with few, if any, problems. Take a soil test to determine the pH and fertilizer needs of your lawn. The ideal pH for turf is between 6.0 and 7.0. In Delaware, our soils tend to be acid, so regular applications of lime are often necessary. Control weeds in your lawn.
Weeds reduce the quality of the turf and compete with desirable turf species for precious water.
This moving height is less stressful to turf than closer mowing and longer turf shades the ground, conserving water. Avoid late spring fertilization. Excess nitrogen in late spring, promotes lush, succulent growth. The turf is then very susceptible to disease, insect and drought injury. I. Take a soil test.