When summer temperatures soar, your lawn can quickly go from lush and green to dry and stressed. Heat stress not only affects the appearance of your grass—it can also weaken the roots, making your lawn more susceptible to weeds, pests, and disease. Fortunately, with a few smart lawn care strategies, you can help your yard stay healthy and resilient throughout the hottest months of the year.
1. Water Deeply and Infrequently:
One of the best defenses against heat stress is proper watering. Rather than watering daily, aim for deep irrigation two to three times a week, delivering about 1 to 1.5 inches of water total. This encourages deeper root growth, which helps grass withstand periods of heat and drought. Water early in the morning (between 5 a.m. and 9 a.m.) to minimize evaporation and reduce the risk of fungal growth.
2. Raise Your Mowing Height:
During summer, keep your mower blades higher than usual. Taller grass shades the soil, keeping it cooler and reducing moisture loss. It also encourages stronger root systems. Avoid cutting more than one-third of the grass blade in a single mowing, and make sure your mower blades are sharp to prevent tearing and stress.
3. Avoid Fertilizing in Peak Heat:
Applying fertilizer during extreme heat can burn your grass and do more harm than good. If your lawn needs feeding, use a slow-release, low-nitrogen formula and apply it early in the season. Otherwise, wait until temperatures cool down in late summer or early fall for your next application.
4. Don’t Overwork the Lawn:
Heavy foot traffic and lawn equipment can compact the soil and stress your grass during hot, dry periods. Limit activity on your lawn during heatwaves, and avoid aerating or dethatching until cooler weather returns.
5. Keep an Eye Out for Signs of Stress:
Wilting, bluish-gray grass blades and footprints that remain visible after walking are early signs of heat stress. If you spot these indicators, adjust your watering schedule and reduce mowing frequency until the lawn begins to recover.
With the right summer lawn care routine, you can keep your yard healthy, hydrated, and better prepared to handle the heat. And if your lawn does suffer some stress, don’t worry—with proper care, it can bounce back strong when cooler weather returns.