Lawn Care Tips for the Heat of Summer

Mow your grass a little higher to keep it from drying out.

Late summer brings some of the hottest temperatures of the year and often strong summer storms that can damage your home.

Here are three tasks to help your yard and home keep their good looks:

#1 Mow High

Raise your mower blade: 3 inches or higher for cool-season lawns, and 2 to 3 inches for warm-season varieties. Why? Longer blades of grass provide some shade, helping your lawn retain water, which means you'll save time and use less water.

And leave the clippings: they'll help keep grass cool and fed. Plus you'll save money by not buying commercial fertilizers.

#2 Remove Damaged Branches

Trim dead or diseased branches before summer storms turn them into projectiles that can damage your home. No one wants to see their house severely damaged and have to file an insurance claim.

#3 Top Off Mulch