What Are Lawn Hot Spots?

What Are Lawn Hot Spots?

What are lawn hot spots? Here in central Indiana, we are experiencing a heat wave. As of August 7th, we have experienced 14 days of 90F or more, and it has been in the mid to upper 80s nearly every day this summer. It has been a scorcher.

This heat can be harmful to your lawn, especially as Berger Hargis Rep Desmond Corn likes to call them, when "Hot Spots" rear their ugly heads. So, what are hot spots?

The Most Common Hot Spots

Gradients and runoff in your yard are susceptible to the heat, as water runs off or down a slope, leaving the lawn vulnerable.

I have a large tree in the front yard that has exposed roots. The soil around the roots has become compacted. Soil compaction blocks water from soaking into the soil. Once again, this gets hot. Look for compacted soil throughout your yard, not only near tree roots.

I heard others say that weeds cause heat stress, and although weeds do not cause heat stress, they can worsen it because they compete with your grass for water and nutrients.

"Sidewalks and driveways are Hot Spots. Concrete and asphalt absorb intense heat during the day and radiates directly into the surrounding soil. This causes the grass edges along driveways and sidewalks to scorch and brown much faster than the rest of the yard. Give these heat-stressed borders a little extra hand-watering to combat the radiant heat." -- Desmond Corn, Berger Hargis

Warning Signs

Hard, dry, compacted soil. Dead grass near concrete sidewalks, drives, and courts. Footprints where the grass does not come back. Wilting, limp blades of grass. Discoloration, and not only brown; some grass turns bluish, gray, or dull green.

What You Can Do!

To begin with, water these areas deeply, and it is best to do it early morning before the sun has heated up the area. Do this every day when it has not rained.

Set your mower blade higher. I keep mine at 4 inches all summer. I also wait longer between mows, and I do not mow until late evening when it has cooled a little.

Be sure your mower blades are sharp.

In the fall, you might consider aerating and overseeding. Ask Berger Hargis about this.

Pro Tip: Another good tip is to hold off on fertilizer until the area recovers. Sometimes added nutrients can make it worse.

Keep Your Cool About Hot Spots

Hot Spots are not your entire lawn, but they can make a major negative impression on your entire yard. So, when you water deeply and mow high, you will make a positive impact on your lawn.