Milwaukee/NARI Provides Summer Lawn & Garden Tips to Combat The Heat

With the intense heat and high humidity that southeastern Wisconsin has been experiencing, members of Milwaukee/NARI Home Improvement Council, Inc., the area's leading home improvement and remodeling industry resource for more than 50 years, suggest the following tips to maintain a homeowners lawn and garden.

Water continually – Don’t begin watering the lawn after it has dried out. It’s important to water the yard before the grass turns brown.

Use one inch of water – During the summer, the lawn requires one inch of water per week. In hot, humid weather, it’s important to use one inch of water three days each week. Put a coffee can next to the sprinkler to gauge the amount of water that has been applied to the lawn

Don’t cut the grass too short – Homeowners should keep the mower deck high. This will prevent the roots from drying out and save water.

Know the depths of the roots – It’s important to identify if the lawn is from grass seed or sod. This can help homeowners predict how the lawn may react to extreme heat. Lawns from grass seed have deeper roots than sod, so the grass is more likely to grow back after it has turned brown.

Distinguish the best time of day – Early morning or night is the ideal time to water the lawn. This reduces evaporation and increases absorption. Wind may also be calmer during these times, which helps the homeowner control the direction of the water.

Replenish mulch – Mulch holds moisture in the soil, which can keep plants alive during the hot weather.

Avoid over-watering the garden – Water is important for plants, but too much moisture can cause issues. If water stays on the leaves, fungus can form, which grows and spreads to other plants quickly. Soil with too much water can also deprive plants of oxygen. Gardens require about one inch of water each week.

The Milwaukee/NARI Home Improvement Council was chartered in July 1961, as a Chapter of the National Home Improvement Council. In May of 1982, the National Home Improvement Council merged with the National Remodelers Association to form NARI - the National Association of the Remodeling Industry.

The Council's goals of encouraging ethical conduct, professionalism, and sound business practices in the remodeling industry have led to the remodeling industry's growth and made NARI a recognized authority in that industry. With over 800 members, the Milwaukee Chapter is the nation's largest.

For more information or to receive a free copy of an annual membership roster listing all members alphabetically and by category, and the booklet, “Milwaukee/NARI's Remodeling Guide,” call 414-771-4071 or visit the Council’s Website at www.milwaukeenari.org.