The Secret to Managing a Lawn in Endless Rain
Summer is in full swing, but while we are out enjoying the sunshine, our lawns are usually struggling to survive the heat. If your grass is starting to look more like a crunchy, faded doormat than a lush golf green, you aren't alone.
The good news? The "secret" to a perfect summer lawn isn't spending thousands on fancy chemicals or watering it for hours every single day. In fact, the best summer lawn care strategy actually requires you to do less work.
Here is the down-to-earth guide to keeping your lawn green and healthy all summer long.
Secret 1: Cut It High (The "Lazy" Mowing Trick)
The biggest mistake homeowners make in July and August is scalping their lawn. It’s tempting to cut the grass super short so you don't have to mow as often, but this completely starves the lawn during a heatwave.
How it works: Think of every blade of grass as a tiny solar panel. When you cut it too short, you destroy its ability to feed itself. Taller grass also acts like a natural umbrella, casting shade over the dirt below. This shade keeps the soil cool, stops moisture from evaporating, and blocks sunlight from reaching weed seeds.
The Rule: Set your lawnmower to its highest or second-highest setting (around 3 to 4 inches).
Secret 2: Water Deeply, Not Daily
Giving your lawn a quick, 10-minute sprinkle every night does more harm than good. It coaxes the grass roots to stay right near the surface of the soil to catch those shallow drops. When a hot afternoon hits, those surface roots get baked instantly.
How it works: You want to train your grass to grow deep, tough roots that can find moisture way down in the dirt. To do that, give it a heavy soak once or twice a week instead of light daily watering.
The Rule: Your lawn needs about 1 inch of water per week. Put an empty tuna can on the lawn while your sprinkler is running; once the can is full, you’ve hit your target for that zone for the week. Always water early in the morning (before 8:00 AM) so the water doesn't evaporate in the midday sun.
Secret 3: Stop Tearing the Grass (Sharpen the Blades)
Take a close look at the very top tips of your grass blades a day after mowing. Are they cleanly sliced, or do they look frayed, white, and shredded?
How it works: Dull lawnmower blades don't cut grass—they violently rip it. This leaves a jagged, open wound on every single blade. Not only does this frayed edge turn a sickly brown color (making your whole lawn look dull), but it also leaves the grass vulnerable to pests and diseases.
The Rule: Sharpen your mower blades at least twice a year. A sharp blade cleanly slices the grass, allowing it to heal instantly and stay vibrant green.
Secret 4: Don't Feed It During a Heatwave
If your lawn starts turning a bit yellow or brown in August, your first instinct might be to dump a heavy bag of high-nitrogen fertilizer on it. Don't do it.
How it works: During the hottest stretch of summer, grass naturally wants to slow down and go a bit dormant to protect itself. If you force it to grow rapidly by blasting it with fertilizer, you will burn the roots and completely exhaust the plant.
The Rule: Save the heavy feeding for the late spring and early autumn when the weather cools down and the grass is naturally ready to grow.
Let Us Take Care of the Heavy Lifting
Want a stunning yard without spending your weekends sweating behind a mower? Whether you need regular summer cuts, expert tree trimming, or a total property cleanup, our local crew has you covered.