Summer Lawn Survival Guide: Keeping Grass Healthy in Heat
Hot, dry weather can put your lawn to the test—but with the right care, your grass can stay green and resilient all summer long. In this guide, we’ll walk you through essential summer lawn care tips to protect your yard from heat stress and drought.
Water Wisely and Deeply
In the summer, grass needs about 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week, either from rainfall or irrigation. Water deeply, 2–3 times per week, rather than daily. This encourages roots to grow deeper, making your lawn more drought-resistant.
Pro Tip: Water early in the morning (between 5–9 a.m.) to minimize evaporation and reduce the risk of fungal disease.
Raise Your Mowing Height
Taller grass shades the soil and retains moisture better. Raise your mower blades to cut at 3–4 inches during peak summer heat. This also reduces stress on your lawn and helps prevent weed growth.
Avoid cutting more than one-third of the grass blade at a time and keep your mower blades sharp for a clean cut.
Avoid Fertilizing in Extreme Heat
Fertilizing during high temperatures can burn your lawn. If your grass is already stressed, it’s best to wait until cooler conditions. For warm-season grasses, a light feeding in early summer is okay—but hold off during mid-summer heatwaves.
Watch for Drought Stress
Common signs of drought stress include:
Grass turning a dull grayish color
Footprints that stay visible on the lawn
Slower growth or thinning patches
If you see these signs, increase deep watering sessions and reduce mowing frequency.
Limit Foot Traffic
Lawns under heat stress are more vulnerable to damage. Try to limit heavy foot traffic during the hottest parts of the day, especially on high-use areas like paths or play zones.
Sharpen and Maintain Equipment
Sharp mower blades make clean cuts, which heal faster and reduce water loss. Dull blades tear grass, leaving it vulnerable to disease and dehydration.
Make sure to also check your irrigation system for leaks or misaligned sprinklers that can create dry spots.
Let Dormant Lawns Be
If your lawn goes dormant (browns out) in extreme heat, don’t panic. Most grass types can survive 3–4 weeks without water. Minimize traffic, avoid fertilizing, and water deeply once or twice a week to maintain root health.
Summer lawn care is all about protection and moderation. By adapting your routine to hot weather conditions, you can keep your grass healthy, resilient, and ready to bounce back when cooler temps return.
Looking for more seasonal tips? Explore the rest of the Mowsurance blog and get expert advice year-round.
