Whether summer is just a few weeks away or already in full swing, it’s important to care for your lawn. The combination of high temperatures, dry spells, and increased foot traffic can put a real strain on your grass. If you want to keep your yard lush and green throughout the season, you need to make sure your lawn is ready to handle whatever summer throws its way.
At Lawn Specialties, we know how important your outdoor space is, which is why we’ve put together this guide to help you prepare your lawn for summer and keep it looking its best, even through the hottest days of the year. Check out our summer lawn care tips below!
1. Start With a Thorough Spring Cleanup
Before you jump into your summer lawn care routine, it’s a good idea to clear away any debris left over from the cooler months. Leaves, sticks, and leftover mulch can smother your grass and block sunlight and water from reaching the soil. Raking up leftover debris and trimming back any overgrown shrubs or tree branches will instantly freshen up your yard. It also gives you a chance to assess any winter damage and plan what needs attention.
2. Test Your Soil
After cleaning up your lawn, you should have the underlying soil tested. Knowing what’s going on beneath the surface can save you time, money, and frustration down the line. By testing your soil, you can identify exactly what your grass needs — and avoid the guesswork. For example, you will know your lawn’s pH level and nutrient content, which directly affects how well your grass can grow and absorb fertilizers.
Once you know your soil’s composition, it’s easier to choose the right fertilizer and apply the right amendments with precision and confidence. A little science goes a long way when it comes to keeping your yard green and thriving all season long.
3. Water Wisely
Now, let’s talk about hydration. Your lawn needs about 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week. This leads us to our other summer lawn care tip: instead of daily light sprinklings, go for deep watering sessions once or twice a week. Do this in the early morning before the heat of the day sets in. This schedule allows water to soak down to the roots, encouraging deeper, stronger root systems.
It’s also important to note that you should avoid watering in the evening. The lingering moisture can promote fungal growth.
4. Mow Smartly
It might be tempting to give your lawn a short buzz cut but resist the urge. Keeping your grass a bit longer, around 3 inches, can help it retain moisture and withstand the summer heat. Plus, taller grass shades the soil, reducing evaporation. Make sure your mower blades are sharp to avoid tearing the grass, which can make it more susceptible to disease.
5. Fertilize Lightly
While summer is a time of rapid growth, and your lawn needs the right nutrients to stay healthy, these hot months are not the time for heavy fertilizing. Your lawn is already stressed from the heat, and too much fertilizer can burn it. Instead, go for a light application of a balanced, slow-release fertilizer. This will give your lawn a gentle boost without overwhelming it.
If you’re unsure what your lawn needs, Lawn Specialties offers professional fertilization services tailored to your soil type and grass variety, ensuring you’re giving your lawn the best possible care.
6. Stay Ahead of Weeds
Weeds can be a persistent problem in the summer, as they compete with your grass for nutrients and water. Hand-pulling is effective for smaller lawns, but for larger areas, consider using a targeted post-emergent herbicide. Just be sure to follow the instructions carefully to avoid damaging your lawn. For a worry-free solution, Lawn Specialties offers expert weed control services that target common lawn invaders while protecting your grass. We can even provide pre-emergent treatments that attack weeds before germination.
7. Aerate if Needed
If your lawn sees a lot of foot traffic or if the soil feels compacted, aeration can do wonders. This process involves removing small plugs of soil to allow air, water, and nutrients to penetrate the grassroots. It’s best done with a core aerator, and your lawn will thank you for the breath of fresh air!
8. Overseed Bare or Thin Spots
Bare spots can make your lawn look patchy and uneven, and they’re also prime real estate for weeds to move in. If you notice any thin spots in your grass, it’s a good idea to overseed.
Adding fresh seed helps thicken your lawn and fill in those bare areas, creating a more uniform, lush appearance. It also gives your grass a better chance of competing with weeds and resisting disease. Lawn Specialties can help with overseeding services that ensure good seed-to-soil contact and optimal growth conditions.
9. Patrol for Pest Activity
Summer can bring a variety of lawn pests, from grubs to chinch bugs. Keep an eye out for brown patches or irregular growth, which can be signs of an infestation. If you suspect pests, consider applying an appropriate insecticide or consulting a professional for advice.
10. Use Mulching Mowers
Mulching mowers can be a great asset during the hot summer months. These mowers chop grass clippings into fine pieces that fall back into the lawn, providing valuable nutrients and helping to retain moisture. It’s a natural way to keep your lawn healthy and green.
11. Don’t Forget About Lawn Disease
Warm, humid summer days can create the perfect environment for fungal diseases like brown patch, dollar spot, and red thread. These diseases often appear as discolored or thinning patches and can spread quickly if left untreated.
Keeping your lawn properly watered, mowed, and fertilized is your first line of defense. If disease still takes hold, though, it’s best to call in the professionals. Lawn Specialties can help identify lawn diseases early and provide effective treatments to stop them in their tracks.
12. Limit Heavy Traffic
Your lawn might be the place for summer BBQs, games, and outdoor hangouts, but try to limit heavy foot traffic on the same areas of grass. Constant trampling can compact the soil, wear down the grass, and prevent it from growing back evenly.
You can use stepping stones or designate specific paths to reduce wear and tear on your lawn. Rotating play areas or outdoor furniture from time to time can also help prevent one patch from becoming too damaged. Remember, a little planning goes a long way when you prepare your lawn for summer activities.
13. Look Ahead to Fall
Believe it or not, summer is a great time to start thinking about fall lawn care. Consider overseeding thin areas to give your lawn a head start when cooler weather arrives. Also, start planning any fall fertilization or aeration that your lawn might need.
Call Lawn Specialties for Help With Summer Lawn Care
Taking care of your lawn in the summer doesn’t have to be a chore. With just a few adjustments and some smart habits, you can enjoy a green, healthy yard all season long.
If you need help crafting a lawn treatment schedule, Lawn Specialties is here to make it effortless. From fertilization to insect control, our experienced team has everything you need to prepare your lawn for summer and maintain its health.
Let’s keep our lawns green and gorgeous together. Contact us today to schedule a lawn care service!
