Summer lawn care is crucial because the heat and dryness stress your lawn, making it vulnerable to damage from pests, diseases, and drought. Without proper summer lawn care, your grass can become patchy, thin, and susceptible to weeds. The goal of summer lawn care maintenance is to maintain soil moisture, prevent damage, and keep your grass healthy enough to recover quickly.

Mowing is one of the most frequent summer lawn care tasks, but how you mow matters more than ever during hot weather.

• Mow Higher: Set your mower blade higher than usual—about 3 to 4 inches. Taller grass blades shade the soil, reduce evaporation, and promote deeper root growth.

• Keep Blades Sharp: Dull blades tear the grass rather than cut it cleanly, leading to stress and vulnerability to disease.

• Mow When Dry: Avoid mowing wet grass to prevent clumping and uneven cuts.

• Leave Grass Clippings: Grass clippings act as natural mulch, returning nutrients to the soil and helping retain moisture.

Watering is critical during summer lawn care, but the method and timing make a big difference.

• Water Early: The best time to water is early morning before the sun heats the ground. This reduces evaporation and allows grass to absorb moisture.

• Deep and Infrequent: Water deeply about 1 inch per week, ideally in one or two sessions, to encourage deep root growth.

• Avoid Overwatering: Too much water can cause shallow roots and increase susceptibility to disease.

• Check Soil Moisture: Use a screwdriver or soil probe to check if the water is penetrating deeply into the soil.

Fertilizing during summer lawn care requires a delicate balance.

• Use Slow-Release Fertilizers: These provide steady nutrients without overwhelming the grass.

• Choose Summer-Specific Fertilizer: Look for fertilizers with lower nitrogen content to avoid excessive growth that stresses your lawn.

• Follow Label Directions: Overfertilization can burn your grass or encourage weeds.

Summer is a prime time for weeds like crabgrass and dandelions.

• Apply Pre-Emergent Herbicides Early: This helps prevent weed seeds from germinating.

• Spot-Treat Existing Weeds: Use targeted herbicides for any weeds that escape prevention.

• Maintain Lawn Health: A dense, healthy lawn naturally crowds out weeds.

Summer foot traffic can compact soil, limiting root growth.

• Schedule Aeration: If you didn’t aerate in spring, summer aeration helps oxygen, water, and nutrients penetrate the soil.

• Use Core Aerators: These remove small plugs of soil for the best results.

• Follow Aeration with Overseeding: Repair bare spots and improve lawn density by overseeding after aeration.

Summer heat can encourage pests like grubs and diseases such as brown patch.

• Monitor for Signs: Look for brown patches, wilting, or unusual insect activity.

• Use Integrated Pest Management (IPM): Apply treatments only when necessary and use eco-friendly options when possible.

• Keep Lawn Healthy: Proper mowing, watering, and fertilizing reduce stress and increase resistance to pests and diseases.

Properly maintained equipment performs better and reduces lawn damage.

• Sharpen Mower Blades: Sharp blades cut cleaner and reduce disease risk.

• Check Equipment Settings: Ensure mower deck height is correct.

• Clean Tools After Use: Prevent disease spread by cleaning and disinfecting tools regularly.

Greg’s Grass services lawns primarily with cool-season grasses such as Kentucky bluegrass, fescue, and ryegrass. Each has unique summer lawn care needs:

• Kentucky Bluegrass: Thrives with deep watering and benefits from a 3-inch mowing height.

• Fescue: More drought-tolerant but appreciates supplemental watering during extreme heat.

• Ryegrass: Requires consistent moisture and prefers slightly lower mowing height.

Knowing your grass type helps tailor your summer lawn care plan for optimal results.

More homeowners seek sustainable lawn care options. Here are a few eco-friendly tips for summer lawn care:

• Use Organic Fertilizers: These release nutrients slowly and improve soil health.

• Conserve Water: Install rain sensors or smart irrigation systems to avoid overwatering.

• Encourage Biodiversity: Plant native flowers or shrubs along your lawn’s edge to support pollinators.

• Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Use natural pest control methods whenever possible.

• Cutting Grass Too Short: Scalping weakens the lawn and exposes soil.

• Watering in the Heat of the Day: Leads to evaporation and fungal diseases.

• Ignoring Soil Health: Compacted or nutrient-poor soil affects lawn vitality.

• Over-Fertilizing: Causes excessive growth and stresses grass in summer heat.

At Greg’s Grass, we understand the unique challenges Albert Lea lawns face during summer. Our experienced team offers:

• Customized mowing, watering, and fertilization schedules.

• Expert pest and weed control solutions.

• Aeration and overseeding services for a thicker lawn.

• Eco-friendly practices that protect your family and environment.

Let us help you achieve a beautiful, healthy lawn all summer long. Contact us today for a free consultation or schedule your summer lawn care services.

Summer lawn care is a vital part of maintaining a lush and healthy yard throughout the year. By following the steps outlined in this seasonal lawn care guide, you can protect your grass from summer stress and keep it looking its best. Adjust your mowing, water wisely, fertilize appropriately, control weeds and pests, and maintain your equipment to give your lawn the care it needs.

Remember, a thriving summer lawn lays the foundation for a healthy yard come fall and beyond. If you need professional help or advice tailored to your lawn’s specific needs, Greg’s Grass is here to provide expert summer lawn care maintenance services.

Contact Greg’s Grass today  to schedule your summer lawn care and keep your yard vibrant all season long!

Sources

• University of Minnesota Extension – Lawn Care
  https://extension.umn.edu/lawn-care

• The Spruce – Summer Lawn Care Tips
  https://www.thespruce.com/summer-lawn-care-2153015

• Penn State Extension – Summer Lawn Maintenance
  https://extension.psu.edu/summer-lawn-maintenance-tips

• Iowa State University Extension – Lawn Care and Management
  https://www.extension.iastate.edu/lawncare/

• Missouri Botanical Garden – Lawn Care
  https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/gardens-gardening/your-garden/help-for-the-home-gardener/advice-tips-resources/lawn-care.aspx

• EPA – WaterSense: Lawn Watering Tips
  https://www.epa.gov/watersense/outdoor-water-use