While spring is the time for greening up your lawn, summer is the season for preserving that lush look under increasingly stressful conditions. Heat, drought, foot traffic, and pests can all take a toll on your turf. That’s why summer lawn care isn’t just a continuation of spring practices — it requires a strategic shift in approach to help your lawn survive and thrive through the hottest months.

One of the most important adjustments is mowing. Many homeowners unknowingly cut their grass too short during summer, which can weaken the turf and expose the soil to heat and evaporation. Raising the mower height to 3–3.5 inches helps shade the soil, retain moisture, and encourage deeper root growth — all essential for drought tolerance and disease resistance. It's also important to keep mower blades sharp to avoid tearing the grass, which creates entry points for fungal infections.

Irrigation is another critical factor. Deep, infrequent watering is more effective than daily, shallow watering. Lawns typically need about one inch of water per week, delivered early in the morning to reduce evaporation and discourage fungal growth. Overwatering or watering in the evening can promote turf diseases like Summer Patch, especially during humid stretches.

Fertilization in summer must be approached carefully. While your lawn still needs nutrients, applying too much nitrogen during heat stress can lead to burned spots and excessive growth that attracts pests. At Almstead, we use seasonally appropriate fertilizers tailored to your lawn’s condition and soil profile. This helps maintain turf vigor without pushing it beyond what the weather can support.

Weed control also becomes more challenging in summer, as some broadleaf weeds like clover and spurge thrive in heat and compacted soils. We offer organic and traditional options for managing weeds while minimizing stress on desirable grass. Our lawn care programs also include aeration and soil health strategies that reduce weed pressure over time by creating better growing conditions for turf.

Summer lawn care is all about balance—supporting grass health without overstimulating growth, and protecting your turf from the combined effects of heat, dryness, pests, and foot traffic. With professional insight and proper care, your lawn can remain green and healthy throughout the summer and bounce back strong in the fall.