Summer Lawn Care Tips for a Thriving Yard

Summer can be tough on your lawn—heat, dry spells, and constant backyard activities can take their toll.

Keeping your yard healthy and inviting during these months requires a bit of extra care. Here are some practical summer lawn care tips to keep your grass green and thriving.

1. Mow with Care

Mowing isn’t just about keeping the grass neat; it’s a key part of maintaining lawn health. During the summer, raise your mower blade to about 3–3.5 inches. Taller grass shades the soil, reduces water loss, and helps crowd out weeds naturally.

Pro Tip: Always use sharp mower blades to make clean cuts and reduce stress on the grass.

2. Water Smartly

Timing and technique are everything when it comes to watering. Water your lawn early in the morning—ideally before 9 a.m.—to give the soil time to absorb moisture before the heat of the day. Aim for deep, infrequent watering sessions (1–1.5 inches per week) to encourage deep root growth.

Avoid shallow watering, which leads to weak, surface-level roots that can’t withstand summer stress.

3. Fertilize with Caution

While your lawn may benefit from a mid-season nutrient boost, avoid over-fertilizing during the summer. A slow-release fertilizer with lower nitrogen levels is best. It strengthens the grass without causing excessive growth, which can stress your lawn in the heat.

Pro Tip: Skip fertilizing if your lawn is already stressed by heat or drought; wait until conditions improve.

4. Keep Weeds Under Control

Summer weeds are opportunistic and thrive in stressed lawns. Stay proactive by hand-pulling or spot-treating them as they appear. Removing weeds promptly prevents them from competing with your grass for valuable water and nutrients.

5. Monitor for Pests

Certain insects, like grubs and chinch bugs, can wreak havoc on your lawn during summer. If you notice irregular brown patches, check for pests. Use eco-friendly lawn treatments or consult a professional to address the issue before it spreads.

6. Aerate for Better Health

If your lawn sees a lot of activity, soil compaction can become a problem. Aerating helps loosen compacted soil, allowing water, air, and nutrients to reach deeper into the root zone. This is especially helpful in early summer to prepare your lawn for the season ahead.

7. Rotate High-Traffic Areas

Foot traffic from summer activities can damage your grass. Protect your lawn by rotating play areas and setting up pathways to reduce wear on any one spot. Giving your yard time to rest prevents bare patches and keeps it looking lush.

8. Mulch Grass Clippings

Skip the bagging step and let your grass clippings stay on the lawn. Mulching clippings provides a natural way to return nutrients and moisture to the soil, helping your lawn cope with the summer heat.

Let 10X Lawn and Landscape Handle the Heat

Taking care of your lawn in summer doesn’t have to be overwhelming. These tips can help, but if the summer heat becomes too much to manage, 10X Lawn and Landscape is here to help.

From seasonal maintenance to expert advice, we’ll keep your yard looking its best so you can enjoy it all summer long.