Summer heat and dry weather can put your lawn under stress, but the right care can keep it healthy and green. Discover simple lawn care tips for watering, mowing, and maintaining your equipment to help your yard thrive throughout the hottest months of the year.
Summer is here, and while the longer days are perfect for enjoying your yard, July’s high temperatures and dry conditions can put a lot of stress on your lawn. Brown patches, thinning grass, and dry soil are all common signs that your yard is struggling with the heat.
The good news? A few simple adjustments to your lawn care routine can help keep your grass healthy and looking its best, even during the hottest part of the season.
Water Smarter, Not More
One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make during a summer drought is watering too often. Frequent, shallow watering encourages grass roots to stay near the surface, making your lawn even more vulnerable to heat stress.
Instead, aim for:
- Deep, infrequent watering
- About 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week, including rainfall
- Early morning watering, ideally between 5 a.m. and 9 a.m.
Watering in the morning allows moisture to soak into the soil before the day’s heat causes excessive evaporation.
Raise Your Mowing Height
It may seem counterintuitive, but cutting your grass shorter during the summer can actually do more harm than good. Taller grass:
- Provides shade to the soil
- Helps retain moisture
- Encourages deeper root growth
- Reduces weed growth
During hot weather, avoid cutting more than one-third of the grass blade at a time. Keeping your mower set slightly higher can make a big difference in protecting your lawn during dry conditions.
Keep Your Mower Blades Sharp
A dull mower blade tears grass instead of cutting it cleanly. Torn grass loses moisture more quickly and becomes more susceptible to disease and heat stress.
Mid-summer is a great time to:
- Sharpen mower blades
- Clean the mower deck
- Check air filters and spark plugs
- Ensure your equipment is operating efficiently
Regular maintenance not only helps your lawn look better, but it also extends the life of your equipment.
Leave Grass Clippings Behind
Grass clippings can actually benefit your lawn during a drought.
When left on the lawn, clippings act as a natural mulch by:
- Helping the soil retain moisture
- Returning nutrients back into the ground
- Reducing the need for additional fertilizer
As long as you’re mowing regularly and not leaving large clumps, grasscycling is an easy way to support a healthier lawn.
Limit Foot Traffic on Stressed Grass
When grass is struggling with heat and lack of moisture, excessive foot traffic can cause additional damage.
If your lawn is showing signs of drought stress, such as:
- A bluish-gray color
- Footprints that remain visible
- Dry, brittle blades
Try to minimize activity on those areas until conditions improve.
Consider Upgrading Your Equipment
Maintaining a healthy lawn during the summer becomes much easier when you have reliable equipment. Whether it’s a mower that delivers a clean cut, a string trimmer for hard-to-reach areas, or battery-powered equipment that offers convenience and performance, having the right tools can make all the difference.
At Suburban Lawn Equipment, our team can help you choose the equipment that’s right for your property and keep your current equipment running at its best with professional service and maintenance.
Keep Your Lawn Looking Great All Summer Long
Hot weather and dry conditions don’t have to mean a brown, unhealthy lawn. By watering properly, mowing at the correct height, maintaining your equipment, and making a few simple adjustments to your routine, you can help your yard withstand the summer heat and continue looking its best.
If your equipment needs a tune-up or you’re ready to upgrade before the rest of the summer season, stop by Suburban Lawn Equipment. Our knowledgeable team is here to help you keep your lawn and landscape in top shape all season long.
With over 40 years in business, we are your one stop shop for all your outdoor power equipment. Our product lineup has a variety of new equipment from top brands including Toro, Cub Cadet, Stihl, Exmark, Honda, Echo, Hustler, Walker Mowers, Troy Bilt, Scag, & Boss Snowplows. We’ll always have something to meet your needs and budget.