Three Lawn Care Tips Every Lowcountry Homeowner Should Know
Learn how selecting the right grass, watering wisely and mowing with intention can help your lawn stay healthy through the Lowcountry’s hottest months.
Story by Alea Wilkins
Key Points
● Greencoast Landscape & Hardscape shares expert lawncare tips to help Lowcountry homeowners build lush, resilient landscapes from the ground up.
● Choosing the right grass for your property creates a healthier, lower-maintenance lawn suited to Lowcountry conditions.
● Smart irrigation, proper drainage and weather-responsive watering systems help prevent overwatering while keeping lawns green through the Lowcountry’s heat and hurricane season.
● Proper mowing techniques, including avoiding overly short cuts and alternating mowing patterns, encourage stronger root systems and healthier turf.
If your lawn struggles in August, you’re not alone. The Lowcountry’s combination of intense heat, high humidity and frequent afternoon storms creates one of the toughest growing environments of the year. Choosing the right grass, watering wisely and mowing properly can make all the difference. Israel Guerrero, co-founder and field director of The Greencoast Landscape & Hardscape, shares the strategies he recommends for keeping lawns healthy all season long.
Choose the right grass
Before picking up a shovel, develop a keen understanding of your lawn’s unique characteristics and conditions. “Factors such as sunlight, soil type, drainage and irrigation all affect which grass will thrive,” Guerrero says. In general, Bermuda grass performs well in the Lowcountry’s intense heat and sunshine, but for shaded spaces he recommends Zoysia or Palmetto St. Augustine. It may seem like a minor difference, but choosing the right grass variety is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. “Choosing the right variety from the start leads to a healthier lawn and reduces long-term maintenance,” Guerrero says. Plant with intention, and skip the headache later.
Water smarter
Up against sweltering temperatures and intense sunlight, Lowcountry lawns rely on irrigation systems
to survive. To ensure proper watering, Guerrero recommends checking sprinkler heads and backyard drainage before adding new sod. This allows homeowners to see how water is being distributed and identify overly dry or wet areas. Because afternoon thunderstorms are common during the summer — especially during hurricane season — rain sensors or smart irrigation controllers are a worthwhile upgrade. “They help prevent overwatering by automatically adjusting their watering schedules based on the weather,” Guerrero says. Once installed, routine system inspections will help keep your backyard lush year-round.
Mow with care
After installing the sod, don’t be too hasty to hang up the trowel. Regular maintenance is what ultimately determines your lawn’s long-term health. For newly sodded yards, Guerrero suggests watering daily for 25 minutes over the first two weeks, adjusting for soil type and property location. After that, water two to three times per week in the early morning for best results. When mowing, Guerrero cautions homeowners against cutting grass too short during the summer and recommends alternating mowing directions. “Cross-cutting encourages healthy growth and reduces stress on the turf,” he says. A beautiful lawn isn’t created in a weekend. With the right grass, smart watering and consistent maintenance, homeowners can enjoy a landscape that’s healthier, easier to maintain and ready for everything from backyard cookouts to quiet evenings under the oaks.
