Beat the Heat: Your Guide to a Lush, Green Lawn All Summer Long
As a REALTOR, I often get asked by clients for tips on keeping their homes in top shape, and one question that comes up more and more frequently with our increasingly hot summers is: “How do I keep my lawn green?” It’s a valid concern! High temperatures and dry spells can quickly turn a vibrant lawn into a sad, brown patch. But fear not, homeowners! With a few strategic steps and consistent care, you can help your lawn not just survive, but thrive, through the hottest months.
Here are my top tips and suggestions for maintaining a beautifully green lawn this summer:
1. Water Wisely: Deep, Infrequent, and Early
This is arguably the most crucial step. Forget daily light sprinkles; they only encourage shallow root growth, making your lawn more susceptible to drought.
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Water Deeply: Aim for 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week, including rainfall. This encourages roots to grow deeper into the soil, seeking out moisture and making your grass more resilient. You can measure this by placing an empty tuna can or rain gauge in your sprinkler’s path to see how long it takes to collect an inch of water.
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Water Infrequently: Instead of daily, water 1-2 times a week. This allows the soil to dry out slightly between waterings, promoting healthier root development.
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Water in the Morning: The best time to water is between 6:00 AM and 10:00 AM. This gives the grass time to absorb the water before the sun is at its hottest, minimizing evaporation. Watering in the evening can leave your lawn wet overnight, which can encourage fungal diseases.
2. Mow High and Sharp: Your Lawn’s Sunscreen
Think of your grass blades as your lawn’s natural sun protection.
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Raise Your Mowing Height: During summer, set your mower blades higher, typically to 3-4 inches for cool-season grasses and 2-3 inches for warm-season grasses. Taller grass blades shade the soil, keeping it cooler and reducing water evaporation. It also promotes deeper root growth.
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Keep Blades Sharp: Dull mower blades tear and fray the grass, leaving it susceptible to disease and turning the tips brown. Sharpen your mower blades at least once a season, or more frequently if you mow often.
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Leave Clippings: If you use a mulching mower, leave the grass clippings on the lawn. They act as a natural fertilizer, returning valuable nutrients and moisture to the soil as they decompose.
3. Fertilize Strategically
Summer fertilization can give your lawn a much-needed boost, but timing and type are key.
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Choose the Right Fertilizer: Look for a slow-release, nitrogen-rich fertilizer designed for summer application. Some fertilizers are specifically formulated to help lawns withstand heat and drought.
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Apply in Early Summer: Fertilizing in early summer can help prepare your lawn for the stress of the hot months ahead. A second application in late summer might be beneficial for some grass types.
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Soil Testing: Consider getting a soil test to understand your lawn’s specific nutrient needs. This can help you choose the most effective fertilizer.
4. Tackle Weeds and Pests
Weeds compete with your grass for water and nutrients, and pests can quickly decimate a healthy lawn.
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Weed Control: Hand-pulling weeds regularly is a great chemical-free option. For stubborn invaders like crabgrass, consider targeted herbicides, making sure they are safe for your specific grass type.
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Pest Identification and Treatment: Keep an eye out for signs of pests like grubs, which can cause significant damage. If you notice unusual wilting or bare patches, identify the pest and treat accordingly.
5. Aerate and Dethatch (If Needed)
These practices improve air, water, and nutrient penetration to the roots.
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Aeration: If your soil is compacted (e.g., from heavy foot traffic), aerating your lawn can significantly improve water absorption and root growth. Late summer can be a good time for this.
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Dethatching: Thatch is a layer of dead grass and organic matter that can build up at the base of your grass blades. Excessive thatch can prevent water and nutrients from reaching the soil. While generally avoided on drought-stressed lawns, light dethatching might be beneficial if you have a significant thatch layer.
6. Consider Drought-Tolerant Grasses
If you consistently struggle with a brown lawn in the summer, or are looking to reduce your water consumption, consider overseeding or replanting with drought-tolerant grass varieties.
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Warm-Season Grasses: Bermudagrass, Zoysiagrass, St. Augustinegrass, and Bahiagrass are excellent choices for hot, dry climates.
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Cool-Season Grasses: Tall Fescue and certain Kentucky Bluegrass cultivars have improved drought resistance. Fine fescues like creeping red fescue and hard fescue are also good options.
7. Limit Traffic
During periods of extreme heat or drought, your lawn is more vulnerable to damage.
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Minimize Foot Traffic: Avoid unnecessary walking, playing, or parking on your lawn when it’s stressed. This can compact the soil and damage grass blades.
By implementing these strategies, you can help your clients achieve and maintain a vibrant, healthy lawn that stands up to the summer heat, enhancing their home’s curb appeal and enjoyment for years to come.
Thank you for reading.
Denise Olivares-Molina,
