Summer brings long, hot days perfect for backyard barbecues and outdoor fun, but those same conditions can wreak havoc on lawns. With soaring temperatures and scarce rainfall, summer lawn care is all about preserving the health and appearance of grass that’s under stress. This guide explains the tips and techniques that will keep your lawn thriving through the dog days of summer.
Summer Lawn Care Challenges
Summer presents unique challenges for lawn care. After the vigorous growth of spring, grass faces increasing stress as temperatures rise and moisture becomes less reliable.
Both cool-season and warm-season grasses have ideal temperature ranges for growth. Cool-season grasses, including fescue, bluegrass, and rye, prefer daily temperatures between 60°F and 75°F, but they begin to grow when the soil temperature is 40°F to 45°F.
Warm-season grasses, such as Zoysia, St. Augustine, Centipede, and Bermuda, start to grow when the soil is between 60°F and 65°F. They thrive when the daily temperature is between 90°F and 95°F. Bermudagrass, in particular, does well in temperatures up to 100°F.
When temperatures consistently climb into the 80s°F and beyond, cool-season grass types begin to struggle. Growth slows, color fades, and lawns become less resilient to foot traffic. Some may go dormant, turning brown until cooler fall temperatures return. In heat waves, even warm-season grasses can start to show signs of stress.
Understanding these seasonal changes allows homeowners to adjust their lawn care routines accordingly, working with nature rather than fighting against it during the hottest months.
Summer Lawn Care Tips
To keep your lawn healthy during even the hottest months, follow these summer lawn care tips.
Water Wisely
Proper watering is necessary any time of year, but it’s especially important during the summer when there’s less rainfall. Use these strategies, so your grass doesn’t go thirsty:
- Provide the right amount of water. Lawns typically need at least one inch of water per week, with more required during severe heat waves.
- Track water intake. Place a rain gauge or straight-sided can in the yard to measure both rainfall and irrigation.
- Perform deep, infrequent watering. This encourages drought-tolerant root growth.
- Water in the morning. Watering your grass before 10 a.m. reduces water loss due to evaporation and gives grass blades time to dry before evening, minimizing the risk of fungal diseases.
- Follow a consistent watering routine. Either commit to regular, deep watering or allow the lawn to go dormant for the season. Alternating between watering and letting grass go brown can stress the lawn and make it more susceptible to damage.
Mow Properly
The right mowing techniques can significantly impact a lawn’s ability to withstand summer stress. Follow these guidelines for best results:
- Adjust mowing height. Raise the mower blade in summer. Taller grass develops deeper roots, shades the soil to reduce evaporation, and helps prevent weed seeds from germinating. For cool-season grasses, aim for a height of 3 to 4 inches. Warm-season grasses should be kept at 2 to 3 inches.
- Mow regularly. This helps you avoid removing more than one-third of the grass blade length in a single cutting. This “one-third rule” helps maintain grass health and prevents clippings from smothering the lawn. During peak growing periods, this might mean mowing twice a week, while slower summer growth may only require weekly mowing.
- Maintain your lawn mower. Keep mower blades sharp for cleaner cuts. Dull blades tear grass, leaving ragged edges that lose more moisture and are more susceptible to disease. Sharpen the blades at least once per season or more frequently for larger lawns.
Know the Fertilizing Do’s and Don’ts
Fertilization practices should change with the seasons. When feeding your grass, remember:
- Timing is everything. It’s best to stop fertilizing about 30 days before typical summer temperatures arrive in the area. Applying fertilizer in the heat of summer can burn the lawn and stimulate tender new growth that struggles in hot weather.
- Never fertilize dormant lawns. If a lawn has gone brown due to heat or drought stress, wait until it greens up again in the fall before applying any fertilizer.
- Perform targeted applications. For lawns receiving adequate rainfall and actively growing, light fertilizer applications can be made to high-traffic areas to help the grass recover more quickly from wear and tear.
Control Weeds
Summer is prime time for weed growth, but it’s important to approach weed control methods carefully to avoid further stressing the lawn.
Hand-pulling weeds is often the safest method during hot weather. Focus on removing weeds before they can flower and spread seeds for next year’s crop.
If using herbicides, choose products designed for summer use and apply them when temperatures will remain below 85°F for several days. Always follow label instructions carefully, as the summer heat can increase the risk of lawn damage from chemical treatments.
Manage Pests and Diseases
Summer conditions can make lawns more vulnerable to various pests and diseases.
Watch for signs of insect damage, such as brown patches or thinning grass. Common summer pests include chinch bugs, cutworms, and grubs. Minor infestations often resolve on their own, but severe problems may require targeted treatment. For lawns prone to grub damage, apply grub control products in midsummer before issues arise.
Humid conditions can also promote fungal growth, such as powdery mildew or brown patch. Avoid evening watering to reduce overnight moisture, and consider applying fungicide for persistent problems.
Care for High-Traffic Areas
Summer activities can take a toll on certain areas of the lawn. To manage these high-use spots:
- Reduce impact. Install stepping stones or pathways in heavily trafficked areas to minimize damage to the grass. This is especially important for dormant or drought-stressed lawns, which are more brittle and easily damaged.
- Perform recovery care. For areas showing wear, reduce foot traffic and provide extra care, such as additional watering or light fertilization.
- Overseed in late summer. Overseeding bare or thin patches can help restore lawn density before winter.
Check the Soil Health
Maintaining the health of the soil contributes significantly to summer lawn vitality. To help the soil remain nutrient-rich and supportive:
- Test the soil. Conduct soil tests in early summer to determine nutrient levels and pH balance. Use fertilizers or soil amendments as needed.
- Aerate the lawn. This relieves soil compaction, especially in high-traffic areas. Aeration allows water, air, and nutrients to penetrate the soil more effectively, helping roots grow deeper and stronger.
- Add organic matter. Incorporate compost or other organic matter into the lawn to improve soil structure, increase moisture retention, support root systems, and reduce the need for frequent watering.
Prepare for Droughts
If a drought is on the way or your area is prone to dry conditions:
- Plant drought-resistant grass varieties. These grasses, such as Bermuda and Buffalo grass, can tolerate extended periods with minimal water.
- Add mulch. Applying a light layer of mulch around the base of trees and shrubs helps retain soil moisture, cools the ground, and provides an additional barrier against water loss.
- Check your irrigation system. Inspect and maintain irrigation systems, fixing any broken sprinklers or leaks you find.
Advice for Shady Lawns
Lawns that receive partial or full shade face unique challenges that may be exacerbated in summer.
- Choose the right grass. Shade-tolerant grass varieties, including fine fescues, tend to perform better in shaded conditions compared to other cool-season grasses.
- Prune trees and shrubs. Trim back tree branches and shrubs to allow more sunlight to filter through to the grass beneath.
- Adjust water practices. Water shaded areas less frequently but still deeply. These spots retain moisture longer than areas exposed to full sun, so careful attention can prevent overwatering and fungal issues.
Final Thoughts About Summer Lawn Care
Maintaining a healthy lawn through the summer months requires a balance of proactive care and respect for grass’s natural growth cycles. By adjusting watering, mowing, and fertilization practices to match summer conditions, homeowners can keep their lawns resilient and attractive despite the heat.