Beat the Heat: Summer Yardwork Do's and Don'ts

Keeping your yard looking sharp during a hot summer is a lot of work. Working outside in the blazing sun can also be very dangerous. High heat and humidity can cause serious health problems very quickly.

In our region, extreme summer heat regularly sends temperatures soaring past 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Extreme heat causes hundreds of serious illnesses and injuries across the country every single year. Because of our high southern humidity, taking proper safety precautions while working outdoors is absolutely necessary.

Here is a simple list of the do's and don'ts for summer yardwork to keep you and your grass safe.

The Do's of Summer Yardwork

• Do cut grass in the early morning. Cool morning hours protect you from the intense midday sun.

• Do mow during the late evening. The shade helps your lawn retain moisture after a fresh cut.

• Do drink water every 15 minutes. Fill up on fluids before you even step outside.

• Do wear loose, light clothing. Light colors reflect the sun to keep your body cooler.

• Do put on a wide-brimmed hat. A good hat protects your face and neck from sunburn.

• Do apply sunscreen with high SPF. Protect your skin from harmful rays even on cloudy days.

• Do take breaks in the shade. Stop working immediately if you feel dizzy or lightheaded.

Rule #1 for summer yardwork: Never forget your shade hat! 🧑‍🌾

The Don'ts of Summer Yardwork

• Don't mow during peak sun hours. Avoid working between 10 AM and 4 PM at all costs.

• Don't cut your grass too short. Taller grass blocks the sun and protects the soil from drying out.

• Don't work alone in extreme heat. Always have someone check on you while you work outside.

• Don't drink soda or caffeine. These drinks dry out your body much faster than water.

• Don't bag your grass clippings. Leave them on the lawn to act as natural, cooling mulch.

• Don't water your lawn midday. The hot sun will evaporate the water before the roots can drink it.

Hot sun and cold caffeine do not mix. Grab a water instead! ☀️

Spotting the Danger Signs: Exhaustion vs. Stroke

It is vital to know the difference between getting too hot and facing a true medical emergency. Heat illnesses happen in stages, and they get severe very fast.

Illness Stage Warning Signs to Look For

Heat Exhaustion (The Warning Stage)

• Heavy sweating
• Cold, pale, clammy skin
• Fast, weak pulse
• Nausea or headache
• Dizziness or tiredness

(What to Do)

• Stop working right away.
• Move to a cool, shaded area.
• Loosen your clothing.
• Sip cool water slowly.
• Get help if you do not feel better

.Heat Stroke
(Severe Emergency)

• Confusion or slurred speech
• Hot, red, dry or damp skin
• Very high body temperature
• Fast, strong pulse
• Passing out or fainting

(What to Do)

• Call 911 immediately!
• Move the person to shade.
• Cool them down fast with ice or wet cloths.
• Do not give them anything to drink.

Why You Must NEVER Give Drinks to a Heat Stroke Victim

It sounds backwards at first. If someone is overheated, shouldn't you give them a cold drink? No. If they are having a heat stroke, giving them fluids can be deadly.

Here is why you must wait for paramedics before giving any drinks:

• Choking Risk: Heat stroke causes heavy confusion, slurred speech, or fainting. A person in this state cannot swallow safely. They can easily choke or inhale water into their lungs.

• Vomiting Danger: Extreme heat shuts down the stomach. Forcing someone to drink will often cause them to throw up, which can block their breathing.

• It Won't Fix the Emergency: Drinking water cannot cool the body down fast enough during a heat stroke. They need fast, external cooling like ice packs and wet towels while you wait for the ambulance.

Note: You can only offer cool water during the earlier stage of Heat Exhaustion, and only if the person is fully awake, alert, and not feeling sick to their stomach.

How Severe is a Heat Stroke?

A heat stroke is the most severe type of heat illness. It is a life-threatening medical situation. When a heat stroke happens, your body loses the ability to cool itself down. Your internal temperature can spike past 104 degrees Fahrenheit in just a few minutes.

If emergency medical treatment is delayed, a heat stroke can cause permanent damage to your brain and organs, or it can even be fatal. You should never try to "tough it out" when working in the extreme summer heat.

Need a Hand?

If the summer heat is too much to handle, you do not have to do it alone. Leave the heavy lifting, high climbs, and hot afternoons to the pros.

Reach out to Neel General Contracting LLC today at 769-336-2946 or check out our services online to get a free estimate on our professional lawn care, tree cutting, and pressure washing services!

If not now, then when? Call Neel General Contracting today! 📞