Article and photos by Elise Habel | Photos by Renata Haidle

There aren’t many things better than summer days spent in the yard with children and pets running through the sprinklers. Healthy lawns that are green, pest-resistant, and lush give our yards that homey feeling that is perfected by the warmth of summer.

We turned to the pros at Weed Man for their expert advice on establishing and maintaining beautiful, healthy lawns throughout the season.

“A healthy lawn has so many benefits. It’s not just great for the environment; it also improves air quality, reduces heat, and aids in water filtration. Most importantly, it becomes a space where families can gather, play, celebrate, and relax.”

-Angel Horton, Marketing Manager, Weed Man

MOW BETTER, GROW BETTER

Mowing can often feel like just another chore for homeowners; however, it is one of the most essential practices that will improve the health of your lawn. Three general principles that apply when it comes to mowing are:

• Set the mower deck to its highest setting.
• Don’t cut more than one-third of the grass blades at a time.
• Mow at the cooler times of day while the grass is dry.

Pro Tip: Sharpen your mower blades at least twice a season. Sharp blades provide cleaner cuts, helping grass recover more quickly.

Grass clippings - to bag? Or not to bag? That is the question. If you’re able to mulch your clippings, do so. Mulching returns valuable organic matter to your lawn, enriching it with essential nutrients. If your lawn is too long, however, the clippings could smother the grass. In that case, it’s better to bag the clippings to prevent that from happening.

WISE WATERING

Because outside conditions are constantly changing (especially in good old Montana), it can be challenging to nail down a perfect watering method, but experts have a lot to say about it.

Consistency is key when it comes to watering. Early morning is best, when evaporation rates are low and grass has time to dry before evening. Aim for deep watering sessions a few times a week instead of short daily sprinkles. This strengthens the root system and builds resilience in hot, dry weather. Watering in the morning for extended periods, with longer intervals between sessions, is recommended. Try watering each zone for 30 minutes every other day.

As the hotter months set in, you can also run your sprinklers briefly on the scorching days to allow the grass to cool off. Around two minutes is all that is needed. Your lawn should receive 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week, including rainfall.

Pro Tip: Place five straight-sided pans around your lawn and run the system to see how long it takes to accumulate one inch of water. Check if the water levels are even across the pans; your sprinkler heads may need adjustment.

FINELY-TUNED FERTILIZATION

Proper lawn fertilization requires more than purchasing a product and throwing it on to the grass. It's important to correctly calculate the application amount and timing. Fertilization works best when the grass begins to turn green and actively grows in the early spring months. Choosing the correct product to feed your lawn is also crucial. Opt for slow-release formulas to avoid rapid growth spikes and instead support steady development over time.

KNOW YOUR NUMBERS:

Fertilizers list three key nutrients-

Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K)

• High nitrogen = vibrant green color and healthy growth.
• More phosphorus = stronger roots (especially for new lawns)
• Potassium = improves drought and disease resistance.

Pro Tip: Use a higher phosphorus fertilizer if you're establishing new grass. A fertilizer with higher nitrogen content is typically recommended for maintaining an existing lawn.

ENJOYING YOUR LUSH LAWN

Once you’ve put in the work, make sure you enjoy the fruits of your labor. Here are a few ways to turn your lawn into a destination:

BACKYARD MOVIE NIGHTS: Set up a projector and lay out blankets under the stars.

ALFRESCO DINING: Host a picnic with local eats or a family BBQ.

LAWN GAMES: Cornhole, bocce, and ladder ball keep all ages entertained.

MORNING RITUALS: Grab your coffee and walk barefoot through the dew to ground yourself for the day ahead.

NATURE NOOKS: Create a cozy corner with a hammock or Adirondack chairs under a shady tree.

A healthy lawn isn't just about looks; it's about lifestyle. With a bit of consistency and know-how, your yard can become a favorite gathering spot and peaceful retreat, all season long.

Originally printed in the June 2025 issue of Simply Local Magazine

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