1. Aesthetic Appeal: Creating a Beautiful Outdoor Space

A well-maintained lawn adds charm and beauty to any outdoor area. Proper maintenance practices such as regular mowing, edging, and trimming create clean lines, a uniform appearance, and a manicured look. By addressing overgrown grass, unruly edges, and weeds promptly, we create a visually appealing landscape that enhances the overall aesthetic appeal of our outdoor spaces.

2. Plant Health and Resilience: Ensuring Optimal Growth

Summer heat can place significant stress on grass, making it susceptible to pests, diseases, and drought. Proper lawn maintenance helps promote plant health and resilience. Regular watering, appropriate fertilization, and timely weed control ensure that grass remains healthy and robust, able to withstand the challenges of hot temperatures and water scarcity. By nurturing our lawns, we create a lush and green oasis that thrives even in the face of summer heat.

3. Water Conservation: Efficiently Managing Water Resources

Water is a precious resource, especially during the summer months when demand is high. Proper lawn maintenance practices, such as mowing at the correct height and maintaining adequate soil moisture levels, promote water conservation. By avoiding overwatering and practicing smart irrigation techniques, we reduce water waste and ensure that this valuable resource is used efficiently. A well-maintained lawn with healthy grass requires less water, contributing to environmental sustainability.

4. Enhanced Outdoor Experience: Creating a Welcoming Space

A properly maintained lawn is an inviting outdoor space that encourages outdoor activities and gatherings. Whether it’s hosting barbecues, playing games with family and friends, or simply enjoying the beauty of nature, a well-kept lawn provides a comfortable and pleasant environment. By maintaining our lawns, we create an outdoor oasis that invites relaxation, recreation, and connection with nature.

5. Property Value and Curb Appeal: Increasing Real Estate Worth

A well-maintained lawn contributes to the overall value and curb appeal of our properties. A lush and healthy lawn enhances the visual appeal, making a positive first impression on visitors, potential buyers, and passersby. It reflects the care and attention to detail that is associated with a well-maintained property. By investing in proper lawn maintenance, we not only enjoy the benefits of a beautiful outdoor space but also increase the value of our real estate investment.

Conclusion:

Proper lawn maintenance is vital to ensure the health, beauty, and vitality of our outdoor spaces, especially during the summer heat. By embracing regular maintenance practices, we enhance aesthetics, promote plant health, conserve water, and create an inviting outdoor environment. Davis Kee Outdoor is your trusted partner in achieving a well-maintained and thriving lawn. Embrace the importance of proper lawn maintenance, and let’s work together to ensure a summer season filled with vibrant greenery, natural beauty, and enjoyable outdoor experiences.

1. Landscape Design and Installation: Creating a breathtaking landscape starts with a well-thought-out design. The demand for professional landscape design and installation services is booming in Chattanooga. Homeowners and business owners alike want to maximize the potential of their outdoor spaces and create visually appealing environments that align with their unique style and requirements. By partnering with Davis Kee Outdoor, clients can benefit from expert guidance, innovative designs, and meticulous installation that brings their visions to life.
2. Hardscape Construction: Hardscaping elements, such as patios, walkways, retaining walls, and outdoor living spaces, add structure and functionality to any outdoor area. The popularity of hardscape construction services is soaring in Chattanooga, as people seek to expand their usable space and create inviting areas for relaxation and entertainment. Davis Kee Outdoor specializes in crafting stunning hardscape features that blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings while ensuring durability and longevity.
3. Irrigation Systems: Efficient irrigation is crucial for maintaining healthy and vibrant landscapes in Chattanooga’s climate. With the increasing focus on sustainability and water conservation, the demand for advanced irrigation systems has surged. Davis Kee Outdoor offers state-of-the-art irrigation solutions tailored to the unique needs of residential and commercial properties. From smart irrigation controllers to drip irrigation systems, their experts can design and install solutions that ensure optimal water usage and plant health.
4. Outdoor Lighting: Enhancing the ambiance and security of outdoor spaces, landscape lighting has become an essential element for both residential and commercial properties in Chattanooga. With the right lighting design, clients can showcase architectural features, illuminate walkways, and create an enchanting atmosphere for evening gatherings. Davis Kee Outdoor offers a wide range of outdoor lighting options, including LED fixtures, path lights, uplights, and accent lighting, to transform any space into a captivating nighttime oasis.
5. Lawn Care and Maintenance: A lush, well-maintained lawn is the foundation of any beautiful landscape. However, maintaining a healthy lawn can be time-consuming and challenging, especially for busy property owners. The demand for professional lawn care and maintenance services has grown substantially in Chattanooga, with clients seeking assistance in mowing, fertilization, weed control, and pest management. Davis Kee Outdoor’s dedicated lawn care team possesses the expertise and tools to keep lawns green, healthy, and weed-free throughout the year.
6. Seasonal Color and Plantings: Adding pops of vibrant color and texture to outdoor spaces is an excellent way to invigorate the landscape and create visual interest. Whether it’s planting seasonal flowers, ornamental grasses, or shrubs, Davis Kee Outdoor’s horticultural experts can provide tailored planting solutions that thrive in Chattanooga’s climate. By combining their knowledge of native and adapted plant species with artistic design skills, they can transform any property into a blooming masterpiece.

Conclusion: The desire to optimize outdoor spaces has become a top priority for residents and businesses in Chattanooga, TN. With Davis Kee Outdoor’s extensive range of services, both residential and commercial clients can revitalize their landscapes and create captivating environments. From landscape design and installation to hardscape construction, irrigation systems, outdoor lighting, lawn care, and seasonal plantings, Davis Kee Outdoor is the trusted partner for all outdoor projects. Take the first step towards transforming your outdoor space today and embark on a journey to create a stunning landscape that reflects your personal style and enhances your quality of life.

1. Landscape Design and Installation: When it comes to transforming outdoor spaces, a well-thought-out landscape design serves as the foundation for success. In Chattanooga, residents are eager to work with landscape professionals who can help them conceptualize and bring their visions to life. From creating visually stunning gardens to designing functional outdoor living areas, landscape design and installation services are in high demand. Skilled designers at Davis Kee Outdoor can collaborate with clients to design beautiful landscapes that suit their preferences, while considering the local climate and natural elements.
2. Hardscaping and Outdoor Living Areas: Chattanooga residents are increasingly looking to extend their living spaces outdoors, creating seamless transitions from indoor to outdoor environments. Hardscaping features, such as patios, decks, and walkways, are highly sought after for their ability to enhance the functionality and aesthetics of outdoor areas. Davis Kee Outdoor specializes in creating customized outdoor living spaces that maximize the potential of any residential or commercial property. From cozy fire pits for gatherings to elegant seating areas for relaxation, hardscaping services are currently in great demand.
3. Sustainable Landscaping: With the growing environmental consciousness among Chattanooga residents, sustainable landscaping has become an essential requirement for outdoor projects. Property owners are keen on reducing their carbon footprint and implementing eco-friendly practices. Davis Kee Outdoor offers sustainable landscaping solutions that focus on conserving water, minimizing chemical use, and promoting native plant species. From installing rainwater harvesting systems to designing low-maintenance gardens, these services are highly sought after by those looking to create environmentally responsible outdoor spaces.
4. Irrigation Systems and Water Management: Efficient water management is crucial for maintaining healthy landscapes in Chattanooga’s varying climate. With periods of both dry spells and heavy rainfall, property owners need reliable irrigation systems that adapt to these conditions. Davis Kee Outdoor provides expert installation and maintenance services for irrigation systems, ensuring that landscapes receive adequate hydration while avoiding wasteful water usage. These systems can be equipped with smart technology to monitor weather patterns and adjust watering schedules accordingly, promoting sustainable water management.
5. Landscape Lighting: As the sun sets, the allure of well-designed landscape lighting emerges, adding drama and enhancing safety to outdoor spaces. In Chattanooga, residents and businesses recognize the transformative power of lighting to create captivating ambiance and highlight architectural features. Davis Kee Outdoor offers professional landscape lighting design and installation services, utilizing energy-efficient LED fixtures that illuminate pathways, trees, and architectural elements. This service is in high demand as property owners seek to extend the usability of their outdoor areas into the evening hours.
6. Seasonal Maintenance and Plant Care: Maintaining the beauty and health of outdoor spaces requires regular care and attention. Davis Kee Outdoor provides comprehensive seasonal maintenance services, including pruning, fertilization, and weed control, to keep landscapes thriving throughout the year. Additionally, clients can rely on their expertise in plant care to ensure that gardens and green spaces receive the proper nutrients and attention they need. The demand for these services is consistent as residents and commercial property owners recognize the value of ongoing maintenance to preserve the longevity and appeal of their outdoor investments.

Conclusion: The desire to optimize outdoor spaces has become a top priority for residents and businesses in Chattanooga, TN. With Davis Kee Outdoor’s extensive range of services, both residential and commercial clients can revitalize their landscapes and create captivating environments. From landscape design and installation to hardscape construction, irrigation systems, outdoor lighting, lawn care, and seasonal plantings, Davis Kee Outdoor is the trusted partner for all outdoor projects. Take the first step towards transforming your outdoor space today and embark on a journey to create a stunning landscape that reflects your personal style and enhances your quality of life.

A well-maintained outdoor space is essential for homeowners and businesses alike. One crucial aspect of creating an inviting and functional environment is proper drainage. Improper water management can lead to various problems, including erosion, flooding, and damage to property. That’s where Davis Kee Outdoor Services comes in. With our expertise in drainage solutions, we offer a range of services that effectively address stormwater management, impervious surface mitigation planning, residential yard drainage, French drains and catch basins, swales, and downspouts/rainwater conveyance. In this blog post, we’ll delve into each of these areas and explore the innovative solutions Davis Kee Outdoor Services provides.

Stormwater Management & Impervious Surface Mitigation Planning

Stormwater management is a critical aspect of preserving the environment and preventing water-related issues. Davis Kee Outdoor Services specializes in developing comprehensive stormwater management plans tailored to the unique needs of each client. Our team of experts assesses the site, evaluates existing drainage systems, and designs innovative solutions to minimize the impact of stormwater runoff.

Impervious surface mitigation planning is another important consideration for property owners. By reducing impervious surfaces and implementing permeable alternatives, such as permeable pavers and green roofs, we help mitigate stormwater runoff and promote groundwater recharge. Davis Kee Outdoor Services excels in providing practical and sustainable solutions that enhance the functionality and aesthetics of outdoor spaces while minimizing environmental impact.

Residential Yard Drainage

Water accumulation in residential yards can result in soggy lawns, plant damage, and even foundation issues. Davis Kee Outdoor Services understands the importance of maintaining a healthy and functional yard. Our team offers expert solutions for residential yard drainage, ensuring proper water flow and preventing water-related damage.

We employ various techniques, including grading and contouring the landscape to redirect water away from vulnerable areas. Additionally, we install subsurface drainage systems, such as French drains and catch basins, to effectively collect and redirect excess water. With our professional expertise, homeowners can enjoy a beautiful, dry, and well-drained yard all year round.

French Drains and Catch Basins

French drains and catch basins are effective drainage systems that efficiently manage excess water. Davis Kee Outdoor Services specializes in the installation and maintenance of these systems, ensuring optimal performance and durability.

French drains consist of a perforated pipe surrounded by gravel or aggregate. They are designed to redirect water away from an area, preventing water accumulation and potential damage. Catch basins, on the other hand, are underground chambers that collect water and direct it into a drainage system. These systems are particularly useful for managing water flow from downspouts, driveways, and other areas prone to water accumulation.

At Davis Kee Outdoor Services, we assess the unique needs of each property and design custom French drain and catch basin systems that effectively manage water flow, protect against erosion, and safeguard your property from water damage.

Swales

Swales are shallow channels or depressions in the landscape that promote water infiltration and natural drainage. They play a vital role in managing stormwater runoff and preventing erosion. Davis Kee Outdoor Services is adept at designing and constructing swales that are both functional and visually appealing.

Our team carefully analyzes the landscape, considering factors such as soil type, slope, and existing drainage patterns. We then create swales that seamlessly integrate into the surroundings, effectively redirecting water while enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the property. Whether it’s a residential garden or a commercial outdoor space, our swales ensure efficient water management while maintaining the overall beauty of the environment.

Downspouts/Rainwater Conveyance

Downspouts and rainwater conveyance systems are essential for effectively directing water from rooftops and gutters. Davis Kee Outdoor Services offers professional installation and maintenance services to ensure proper water flow and prevent potential damage to buildings and surrounding areas.

We design downspout systems that effectively channel water away from the building’s foundation and into appropriate drainage systems. Our team utilizes high-quality materials and precision installation techniques to guarantee optimal performance and longevity. With our expertise, property owners can rest assured that rainwater is efficiently managed, protecting their investments and maintaining the integrity of their outdoor spaces.

Conclusion

When it comes to drainage solutions, Davis Kee Outdoor Services is your trusted partner. Our comprehensive services in stormwater management, impervious surface mitigation planning, residential yard drainage, French drains and catch basins, swales, and downspouts/rainwater conveyance ensure that your outdoor space remains beautiful, functional, and protected from water-related issues. Contact Davis Kee Outdoor Services today to enhance your property and create a safe, sustainable, and aesthetically pleasing environment.

1. Experience and Expertise

With over 20 years of experience in the industry, Davis Kee Outdoor has developed a reputation as a leading provider of outdoor services. Our team of highly skilled and experienced professionals has the knowledge and expertise necessary to deliver top-quality services that meet the needs and requirements of a wide range of outdoor job needs.

2. Customized Solutions

At Davis Kee Outdoor, we understand that each client has unique needs and requirements. That’s why we offer customized solutions that are tailored to your specific needs. Our team of experts works closely with clients to understand their needs and preferences and recommends the most suitable solutions and services.

3. Quality Products

Davis Kee Outdoor uses only top-quality products that are specifically designed for outdoor applications. We work with trusted manufacturers to ensure that our products provide maximum beauty and functionality.

4. Cost-Effective Solutions

At Davis Kee Outdoor, we understand the importance of cost-effectiveness in outdoor job solutions. That’s why we offer cost-effective solutions that provide maximum value for money. We work closely with clients to identify areas where costs can be minimized without compromising on quality or performance.

5. Ongoing Maintenance

Davis Kee Outdoor offers ongoing maintenance services to ensure that your outdoor space remains beautiful and functional over time. Our team of experts will advise you on the appropriate maintenance procedures to ensure that your outdoor space provides maximum beauty and functionality.

6. Health and Safety

Davis Kee Outdoor takes health and safety seriously and adheres to the highest standards of safety and environmental regulations. The company uses environmentally friendly products and follows strict safety protocols to ensure the well-being of employees, clients, and the environment.

7. Wide Range of Services

Davis Kee Outdoor offers a wide range of outdoor services, including landscaping, lawn maintenance, tree services, and hardscaping. Each type of service has unique properties that make it suitable for different applications, and our team of experts can help you choose the most appropriate service for your needs.

8. Advanced Technology

Davis Kee Outdoor uses advanced technology and equipment to ensure that the outdoor job process is efficient and effective. We are constantly updating our equipment and processes to ensure that we remain at the forefront of the industry.

9. Commitment to Customer Service

At Davis Kee Outdoor, we are committed to providing excellent customer service and support throughout the entire process, from initial consultation to ongoing maintenance. We pride ourselves on our ability to build strong relationships with clients and deliver top-quality solutions that meet their needs and exceed their expectations.

10. Proven Track Record

Davis Kee Outdoor has a proven track record of delivering top-quality services to a wide range of outdoor job needs, including residential and commercial clients. Our clients trust us to deliver reliable and effective solutions that provide maximum beauty and functionality.

In conclusion, if you’re looking for an outdoor job provider that offers customized solutions, top-quality products, cost-effectiveness, ongoing maintenance, and a commitment to customer service, Davis Kee Outdoor is the right choice. Our team of experts has the knowledge and expertise necessary to deliver top-quality solutions that meet your needs and exceed your expectations. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help beautify and functionalize your outdoor space.

In this article, we’ll explore some of the most common stormwater drainage problems faced by homeowners, and we’ll discuss the solutions that Davis Kee Outdoor offers to address these issues.

Common Stormwater Drainage Problems for Homeowners

Homeowners are often faced with stormwater drainage problems, especially in areas with heavy rainfall or poor soil drainage. Some common issues include:

1. Yard Flooding: Excessive rainfall can cause water to pool in low-lying areas of your yard, leading to flooding and water damage.
2. Soil Erosion: Poor soil drainage can cause erosion, which can lead to a loss of soil, damage to landscaping, and damage to your home’s foundation.
3. Wet Basements: A wet basement can be a sign of poor stormwater management. If water is not properly diverted away from your home’s foundation, it can seep into your basement and cause water damage.

At Davis Kee Outdoor, we offer a range of stormwater drainage solutions to help homeowners manage these common problems. Our solutions include:

1. French Drains: A French drain is a trench filled with gravel or rock that redirects water away from your yard or home’s foundation. It’s a simple, cost-effective solution for managing excess water.
2. Sump Pumps: A sump pump is a device that removes water from your basement or crawlspace. It’s an essential tool for preventing basement flooding and keeping your home dry.
3. Retaining Walls: Retaining walls are a great solution for managing soil erosion. They can help hold soil in place and prevent erosion from occurring.
4. Catch Basin System: A catch basin system is designed to collect surface water and redirect it to a drainage system. The catch basin is installed in low-lying areas and is connected to a drainage pipe that redirects the water to a storm drain or retention pond.
5. Swale System: A swale is a shallow ditch that is designed to collect and channel water away from your property. It is often used in areas with low water flow and can be filled with rock or planted with vegetation to enhance the aesthetic appeal.

At Davis Kee Outdoor, we specialize in providing top-notch stormwater drainage solutions to our clients, both residential and commercial. Our team of experts has extensive knowledge and experience in designing, installing, and maintaining drainage systems that are tailored to your specific needs. Contact us today for all of your stormwater mitigation and drainage needs.

1. Clean up your yard: Start by removing any debris that has accumulated over the winter months. This includes fallen leaves, dead branches, and other yard waste. Raking and bagging leaves can be a great workout, but if you have a large yard, consider hiring a professional landscaping company to do it for you.
2. Prune your plants: February is a great time to prune trees and shrubs before they start to grow again in the spring. Be sure to remove any dead or diseased branches and shape your plants as desired.
3. Plant trees and shrubs: Late winter and early spring are the perfect times to plant new trees and shrubs. Just be sure to choose plants that are appropriate for your region and soil type.
4. Fertilize your lawn: February is the perfect time to apply fertilizer to your lawn. This will help your grass grow stronger and healthier as the weather warms up. Just be sure to choose a fertilizer that is appropriate for your type of grass.
5. Prepare your garden beds: If you’re planning to grow vegetables or flowers in your garden this year, February is the perfect time to prepare your beds. Start by removing any weeds or other debris, and then add compost or other organic matter to improve the soil.
6. Plan your landscaping: If you’re thinking about making any major changes to your landscaping this year, now is the time to start planning. Consider factors like the amount of sun and shade in your yard, the type of soil you have, and the types of plants that are appropriate for your region.
7. Install hardscaping features: If you’re thinking about adding any hardscaping features to your yard, like a patio or walkway, now is the time to do it. Just be sure to hire a professional landscaping company to ensure that the job is done correctly.

In conclusion, February is the perfect time to start preparing your outdoor spaces for the upcoming season. By following these tips and tricks, you can ensure that your landscaping, lawn, and garden look their best all year round. If you need any help with your outdoor spaces, don’t hesitate to contact Davis Kee Outdoor for professional and reliable landscaping services.

Lawn Care:

January is the ideal time to start preparing your lawn for the spring. Begin by removing any leaves or debris from your lawn to ensure that it can properly breathe and receive sunlight. This will also help prevent the growth of mold and mildew. If the ground isn’t frozen, you can also aerate your lawn by using a lawn aerator or by renting one. Aerating your lawn will help improve the soil’s ability to absorb water and nutrients, which will lead to a healthier lawn.

Landscape Care:

January is also a great time to start planning any landscaping projects you may want to tackle in the upcoming year. Consider adding new trees, shrubs, or flowers to your yard to add color and interest. When choosing plants, be sure to select varieties that are native to the Chattanooga area and can tolerate the area’s climate. This will ensure that they are well-suited to the local environment and will require less maintenance in the long run.

Planting Tips:

January is a great time to plant trees and shrubs. The cool temperatures and dormant soil make it easier for plants to establish roots before the spring growing season begins. When planting, make sure to dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball but only as deep as the root ball. Backfill the hole with the soil you removed and water well.

In addition, mulch can be applied around trees, shrubs, and flowers to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and moderate soil temperature.

Overall, January is a great time to start planning for your lawn and landscape. By following these tips, you can ensure that your lawn and landscape will be healthy and beautiful for the upcoming year. At Davis Kee Outdoor, we’re here to help you create the outdoor space of your dreams. If you have any questions or need help with your lawn and landscape, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re always happy to help!

• Leave the Clippings. Leave grass clippings on your lawn. As they deteriorate, they fertilize your turf.
• Mow In the Evening. Mowing at this time of day puts less stress on your grass (and you). The grass is dry and temperatures are cooler.
• Stop Lawn Invasion. Keep your lawn edged so grasses like Bermuda don’t invade your planting sites. Watch for Fire Ant Mounds and Armyworms. Apply a fire ant killer as soon as you spot the hill to eliminate them until winter. Spray Captain Jack’s Deadbug brew do rid your lawn of armyworms.
• No Fun in Fungus. The hot, humid weather is perfect for lawn fungus-like brown patches and fairy rings. If you see lawn issues take a picture, bring in a sample and the Pike experts can help you find the best solution.

In the Garden

• Feed for Energy. Plants need extra nutrients to make it through the long, hot summer days. Stop in and let a Pike expert help you select the best fertilizer for your garden plants.
• Dead-Head for Continuous Blooms. Continue to remove faded blooms on annuals such as geraniums, marigolds, petunias, salvia, verbena, and zinnias. Doing so will keep the plants blooming throughout the season.
• Rejuvenate Seasonal Annuals. By this point in the summer, some annuals may have become spindly or leggy. It is a good time to pinch or trim them back by as much as ½ their current height. They will soon begin to leaf out, look thicker and start to bloom again.
• Clean the Crape Myrtles. Remove spent flowers as they occur and you may be rewarded with a second crop of blooms.
• Harvest Your Efforts. August is the best month for harvesting home-grown produce from tomatoes, peppers, eggplant to basil and rosemary. Have more than you can eat? Try canning the produce for later use or share with a neighbor.
• Bag those Worms. Look for hungry bagworms on trees and evergreens. To control these caterpillars and prevent them from defoliating the plants, remove them by hand or spray with an appropriate insecticide.
• Water Wisely. Plants setting berries like pyracantha or hollies and plants setting flower buds for next year’s blooms, like azaleas and camellias will benefit from a little extra water. Most established plants need about one inch of water per week to perform at their best. Water just until you see runoff between 6-10am.
• Maintain the Mulch. Make sure all planting areas have a two-inch layer of mulch. Mulches help to regulate soil temperature, conserve moisture in the soil and prevent weed development.
• Protect Yourself. Don’t become a victim of sunburn! Be sure to wear a large brimmed hat with UV protection while playing in the dirt or simply relaxing outside.

Source: Pike Nursery

At Davis Kee Outdoor, we are well aware that summer lawn care in our service area is rife with potential frustrations. We don’t have any control over what Mother Nature throws at us, but we can provide some useful tips to help ensure that your lawn is as successful as it possibly can be. The fact is that even the healthiest and best cared for lawns are going to struggle during the extreme heat. There are some steps you can take to keep your lawn in the best possible shape this summer.

Fight Summer Lawn Care Stressors

Summer lawn care is a complec problem in this area because you are confronted with a number of potential stressors. The immediately obvious one is the weather.

In summer, your lawn is forced to endure brutal heat and long periods without significant rainfall. A quick test to check if your lawn is browning due to drought stress is to look at the way your grass blades “bounce back” when you walk on them. If you are seeing footprints throughout your lawn, or much more noticeable mower tracks after mowing, your lawn is most likely experiencing drought stress. Having said that, disease and insects are also a potential threat to a lush summer lawn.

Summertime is when fungal lawn diseases can thrive. This includes Brown Patch, Dollar Spot, and Fairy Ring. Any of these can be responsible for your lawn being brown or discolored. Also, pests such as grubs, or surface feeder lawn insects can also cause a serious threat to your lawn health.

A much larger issue can emerge when these issues combine. A lawn under stress from heat and drought is much more succeptible to disease, and the combination of the two can propel your lawn issues from bad to much worse in a very short increment of time. Your best defense is to keep your lawn as healthy as you can. Our experience is that the healthiest lawns we encounter are maintained with a combination of professional lawn care and the proper cultural practices. This combination is the key to keeping grass greener in summer. Let’s look at some specific examples.

Keeping Your Grass Greener in Summer

When summer lawn care is the goal in the greater Chattanooga area, there are a few important considerations that must be kept in mind. Let’s examine them.

Correct Watering

If you want green grass in summer, it isn’t a secret that adequate watering is at the top of the list of concerns. If you are trying to keep your lawn free of summer lawn problems related to drought, you surely want to make sure you are watering your lawn properly and effectively. This is one of those items many people consider an obvious one, but there are lots of ways to make mistakes with watering involving the quantity of water used at each watering, the duration of the watering, and the frequency of watering. A typical lawn in our area requires 1-2 inches of water per week.

The goal should always be a “soaking” style of watering, as opposed to an occasional “top” watering here or there. The goal is soaking your lawn deeply until the soil is moist down a few inches. Depending on your lawn and the type of watering apparatus used, this could mean running sprinklers for an hour or so during each watering to ensure adequate soaking.

We also have noticed that most of us give Mother Nature far to much credit for the amount of rainfall received. A heavy downpour after a rain deficit dows not automatically mean you can wait until next week to water again. A rain gauge is a very helpful tool to take the guesswork out of your watering, and lets you know more precisely how much water is making it into your lawn.

Lawn Fertilizer

After watering, a proper year round regimen of fertilization plays a significant role in how well your lawn stays green and healthy. Fertilizers provide your lawn with the Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassion (N,P,K) which are the primary nutrients your lawn needs to be successful. Timing is everything with fertilizing regimens. Once the heat of summer arrives it is not recommended to fertilize as this can aggravate turflawn disease and actually cause harm to your lawn.

Mowing

It isn’t commonly known, but mowing puts added stress on your lawn in the summertime. Generally speaking, evey time you mow, the cuts place stress on your grass. If your lawn is also drought stressed, it will be harder for your lawn to recover from each mowing.

The key to this is to mow correctly. Mowing height is one very important consideration. In general, it is healthier to keep your grass length a little taller. The height that is best for your lawn will largely depend on the primary type of grass that makes up your lawn.

Here are some common recommendations for our area:

• Tall Fescue: 3 to 3.5 inches
• Perennial Ryegrass: 2 to 2.5 inches
• Zoysia: 2 to 3 inches
• Bermudagrass: 1 to 2 inches

We also recommend mowing more often so that less of the grass is cut during each mowing. A weekly schedule has been our recommendation because that allows each mowing to remove 1/3 of the grass blade or less. Removing more than 1/3 of the grass blades on each mowing causes significantly more stress on your grass.

Dormant Lawns

Grasses typically have dormancy as a natural protection mechanis, to help the grass withstand changes in weather. Temperature and weather can greatly impact the appearance of your lawn. Cool season grasses such as Fescues and Rye will go brown and dormant during prolonged extreme heat, just as warm season grasses such as Bermuda or Zoysia will go brown dormant during the cold winter months. These grasses are still alive and will become green once favorable weather returns.

To summarize, the type of grass has a lot to do with the color of your lawn at certain times of the year. If you want a lawn that remains green through all seasons, you can plant a mixture of warm season and cool season grasses.

A Lawn Care Company For All Seasons

When the subject is quality lawn care, every season has a different set of required maintenance and challenges. Regardless of the season, you want to know that your lawn is getting the best possible care and maintenance to be the best it can be. One very significant factor is partnering with a lawn care company that will partner with you to achieve the results you desire. When you partner with Davis Kee Outdoor you have a partner that is always here to answer your questions.