SALEM, OR--(Marketwired - Jun 9, 2016) - With summer in full swing, it's time to think about how to maintain a beautiful, healthy lawn while being mindful of water use. Grass Seed USA, a national coalition of grass seed farmers and academic turf specialists, shares five smart water management tips that will keep your lawn healthy during the warmest months of the year.

"When it gets hot, the most common mistake people make is to excessively water their lawn. However, your lawn only needs to be watered once or twice a week during the summer months," said Bryan Ostlund, Grass Seed USA executive director. "When done correctly, cutting back on irrigation can actually strengthen your lawn."

Follow these five lawn care tips and enjoy a bed of soft, green grass all summer long:

1. Don't Overwater!
With some communities sending out watering guidelines for summer water conservation, it's important to keep some very basic guidelines in mind when watering, such as watering once every other day or twice a week. Fewer, longer waterings encourage the roots to grow deeper making the lawn stronger and more drought-resistant. Over watering can lead to lawn damage due to over-saturation.

2. Inch by Inch
The absence of rainfall in the latter half of summer means that you will need to apply about 1 to 2 inches of water per week in order to maintain a healthy yard.

3. Be Cool
Always water your turf during the cooler hours of the day, either early morning or evening. Watering during the heat of the day does very little good as much of the water evaporates before reaching the roots.

4. High Times
Set your mower to cut less grass. You can reduce the amount of water lost to evaporation by keeping your grass slightly taller (2 to 3 inches) in the summer, so that the blades shade the roots and soil surface, keeping it cooler and protected.

5. Wake up and Smell the Routine!
Whatever watering routine you choose, stick with it. Grass does best with a consistent watering schedule, and starting and stopping a watering pattern can stunt your turf's growth.

For more lawn care tips, information on the benefits of natural turf or help in selecting the best seed for your lawn, visit www.weseedamerica.com.

About Grass Seed USA
Grass Seed USA is a national coalition of grass seed farmers and academic turf specialists with a wealth of experience in studying, growing and harvesting grass and grass seed. The coalition seeks to inform and educate residential and commercial customers about the benefits of grass and best practices for responsibly growing and maintaining healthy turf. For more information, visit www.weseedamerica.com.