The summer sun can transform your lush green lawn into a dry, brown disappointment. Heat, drought, and disease create significant challenges for grass during these hot months. With temperatures climbing, your lawn requires specific attention to maintain its vibrant appearance. These 10 essential tips will help you protect your lawn from summer stressors and keep it thriving throughout the season.
Common Summer Lawn Care Challenges
Heat Stress
When temperatures consistently exceed 85°F, grass plants reduce growth and enter conservation mode. The cellular processes that produce chlorophyll slow down, causing blades to turn yellow or brown.
Cool-season grasses like Kentucky Bluegrass and Fescue particularly struggle, often going dormant if temperatures exceed 90°F for extended periods. Heat stress manifests as wilting, folding leaf blades, and footprints remaining visible long after walking across the lawn.
Drought Conditions
Summer brings increased evaporation rates and often decreased rainfall, creating water deficits in the soil. Municipal water restrictions frequently limit irrigation options precisely when grass needs moisture most.
Without adequate water, grass roots shrink and become shallow, further reducing drought tolerance. Signs include bluish-gray coloration, curling leaf blades, and soil that feels dry 2-3 inches below the surface.
Weed Invasions
Opportunistic weeds thrive in summer conditions, often featuring deeper root systems than turfgrass. Crabgrass emerges when soil temperatures reach 55-60°F and spreads rapidly in thin lawns. Nutsedge grows faster than most turfgrass in heat, quickly overtaking weakened areas. Dandelions and clover outcompete grass for limited nutrients, establishing strongholds that persist through the season.
Insect Damage
Summer brings peak activity for lawn-damaging insects. Chinch bugs extract plant fluids from grass blades, creating straw-colored patches that expand in hot weather. Grub larvae feed on grass roots below the surface, causing sections that easily pull up like loose carpet. Armyworms consume grass blades overnight, sometimes devouring entire lawn sections within days.
[Common Summer Lawn Care Challenges]
Soil Compaction
Summer activities concentrate foot traffic on lawns, compressing soil particles and reducing crucial air pockets. Compacted soil prevents water penetration, causing it to run off rather than reaching roots.
Root development becomes restricted in dense soil, limiting the grass’s ability to access deeper moisture. Compaction creates ideal conditions for moss and certain weeds while preventing desirable grass from thriving.
Fungal Diseases
High humidity combined with heat creates perfect conditions for fungal pathogens. Brown patch forms circular dead spots 2-3 feet in diameter, particularly in tall fescue and ryegrass.
Dollar spots appear as silver-dollar-sized straw-colored depressions in the lawn, especially when nitrogen levels are low. Pythium blight develops slimy, matted patches during humid nights when temperatures remain above 68°F, spreading rapidly along drainage patterns.
Tip 1: Test Your Soil Before Summer
Soil provides the foundation for lawn health. Testing reveals crucial information about pH levels and nutrient deficiencies that affect how your grass responds to summer heat.
Home testing kits offer quick results, measuring pH and basic nutrients. For comprehensive analysis, consider professional testing through local extension offices. They provide detailed reports identifying specific deficiencies in phosphorus, potassium, and nitrogen.
Once you identify issues, take corrective action. Add lime to increase pH for acidic soil or sulfur to decrease pH for alkaline conditions. Address nutrient gaps with targeted fertilizers based on test results. This preparation creates optimal growing conditions before summer heat arrives.
Tip 2: Mow at the Appropriate Height
Proper mowing height significantly impacts summer lawn resilience. Taller grass develops deeper roots and provides natural shade for the soil surface, reducing evaporation and heat stress.
Adjust your mower deck according to your grass type:
- Warm-season grasses (Bermuda, Zoysia): 1.5-2.5 inches
- Cool-season grasses (Fescue, Kentucky Bluegrass): 3-4 inches
Never remove more than one-third of the grass blade during a single mowing session. Cutting too short stresses the grass and reduces its ability to photosynthesize, weakening its defense against summer heat. Maintain consistent mowing frequency, typically once per week, adjusting as growth patterns change with temperature.
Tip 3: Water Deeply and Infrequently
Proper watering establishes drought resistance in your lawn. Deep, infrequent watering encourages roots to grow deeper into the soil to access moisture.
Water early morning (6-10 AM) when temperatures remain cool and wind speeds low. This timing maximizes absorption and minimizes evaporation. Measure water application using rain gauges or tuna cans to ensure you apply the right amount:
- Warm-season grasses need approximately 1 inch per week
- Cool-season grasses require about 1.5 inches weekly
Shallow, frequent watering leads to shallow root systems that quickly dry out in summer heat. Check soil moisture by inserting a screwdriver into the ground—if it slides in easily, soil moisture remains adequate.
Tip 4: Fertilize Warm-Season Grasses
Summer represents the primary growing season for warm-season grasses like Bermuda and Zoysia. These varieties benefit from fertilization during their active growth period.
Choose slow-release nitrogen fertilizers specifically formulated for summer application. Apply when grass actively grows, typically when soil temperatures consistently reach 65°F or higher. Use a broadcast spreader for even distribution, following package instructions for application rates.
Avoid fertilizing cool-season grasses during summer months. High-nitrogen fertilizers stimulate growth that these grasses cannot sustain during heat stress, potentially causing more harm than benefit. Save cool-season grass fertilization for fall and spring.
[Tip 4: Fertilize Warm-Season Grasses]
Tip 5: Control Weeds Promptly
Weeds compete with grass for water and nutrients – resources already limited during summer heat. Common summer invaders include crabgrass, dandelions, and nutsedge.
Apply pre-emergent herbicides in late spring to prevent weed germination. For existing weeds, use spot treatment with post-emergent herbicides specifically formulated for the weed species present. Apply during calm mornings to prevent drift and follow label instructions precisely.
For smaller lawns or isolated weed problems, manual removal provides an effective chemical-free option. Pull weeds after rainfall or irrigation when soil remains moist for easier extraction of complete root systems.
Tip 6: Aerate Compacted Soil
Compacted soil prevents water, oxygen, and nutrients from reaching grass roots. Summer foot traffic, particularly in high-use areas, increases compaction problems.
Core aeration removes small plugs of soil, creating channels for water and air movement. For warm-season grasses, late spring provides the ideal aeration window before summer heat intensifies. Use a mechanical core aerator for large areas or manual tools for smaller spaces.
Focus on high-traffic zones where compaction occurs most frequently. Leave soil cores on the lawn to break down naturally, returning organic matter to the soil. Combining aeration with overseeding or topdressing maximizes benefits.
Tip 7: Remove Excessive Thatch
Thatch – the layer of dead grass stems and roots between green vegetation and soil – blocks water and nutrient penetration when it exceeds ½ inch thickness.
Check thatch thickness by removing a small lawn plug and measuring the brown layer between grass and soil. For moderate thatch (½-¾ inch), use a dethatching rake or power rake. For severe thatch problems (over ¾ inch), consider mechanical dethatching equipment.
Schedule dethatching during the growing season when grass can recover quickly. For warm-season grasses, early summer works well. After dethatching, collect and remove debris, then water thoroughly to help the lawn recover.
Tip 8: Protect Your Lawn from Diseases
Summer heat and humidity create perfect conditions for lawn diseases like brown patch, dollar spot, and rust. Identifying problems early prevents widespread damage.
Watch for warning signs: irregular brown patches, powdery substances on leaf blades, or thinning areas.
Prevent disease through proper maintenance: water early morning rather than evening, maintain appropriate mowing height, and improve air circulation in problem areas.
When prevention fails, apply fungicides labeled for your specific issue. Follow application instructions carefully, as incorrect timing or concentration reduces effectiveness. For persistent problems, consult with lawn care professionals to develop a comprehensive disease management plan.
Tip 9: Sharpen Mower Blades
Dull mower blades tear grass instead of cutting cleanly, creating entry points for disease and increasing water loss from damaged tissue.
Sharpen blades after approximately 10 hours of mowing time or when you notice ragged, brown grass tips after cutting. Either remove blades for professional sharpening or use a metal file to restore the cutting edge yourself.
Maintain blade balance after sharpening to prevent mower vibration and uneven cutting. Clean blades after each use to prevent rust and remove grass buildup that harbors disease organisms.
[Tip 9: Sharpen Mower Blades]
Tip 10: Overseed Thin Areas (For Warm-Season Grasses)
Summer provides an excellent opportunity to overseed thin areas in warm-season lawns. Bermuda and Bahia grass establish quickly in warm soil temperatures.
Prepare areas by mowing shorter than usual and removing debris. Create good seed-to-soil contact using a rake or aerator. Spread seed at rates recommended for your grass type using a broadcast spreader for even distribution.
Keep newly seeded areas consistently moist until germination occurs, typically within 7-14 days. Reduce watering frequency but increase depth as seedlings establish. Avoid applying herbicides until new grass has been mowed at least three times.
Let Mile High Lifescape Help
For nearly two decades, Mile High Lifescape has served the Denver Metro area, delivering professional lawn care services customized for Colorado’s unique climate challenges.
Our comprehensive summer lawn care programs include:
- Scientific soil testing and targeted amendment applications
- Precision fertilization scheduling based on grass type
- Integrated weed management combining preventive and targeted treatments
- Professional aeration services with specialized equipment
- Expert disease identification and treatment
Our certified technicians understand the specific challenges Denver lawns face during summer months. We develop customized care plans addressing your lawn’s specific needs rather than applying one-size-fits-all treatments.
Contact us today for a free lawn evaluation and discover how we can transform your summer lawn care experience.
Conclusion
Effective summer lawn care requires strategic planning and consistent maintenance. By implementing these 10 essential practices – from proper soil testing to appropriate mowing heights and watering techniques – you can maintain a vibrant lawn despite intense heat.
For Denver homeowners facing Colorado’s unique climate challenges, professional assistance from Mile High Lifescape provides customized solutions that maintain lawn health throughout the summer months. With the right knowledge and practices, your lawn can remain green and resilient even during the hottest days of the season.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How often should I water my lawn in summer?
Most lawns need 1-1.5 inches of water weekly, preferably delivered in 2-3 deep watering sessions rather than daily light sprinkling. Measure using rain gauges or tuna cans placed around your yard. Adjust based on rainfall, temperature, and local water restrictions.
What’s the best height to mow my lawn in summer?
Maintain warm-season grasses like Bermuda at 1.5-2.5 inches and cool-season grasses like Fescue at 3-4 inches. Taller grass shades soil, reducing moisture loss and weed germination. Never remove more than one-third of the blade height in a single mowing.
How can I prevent summer lawn diseases?
Water early morning rather than evening to reduce leaf moisture overnight. Maintain proper mowing height and frequency. Improve air circulation by thinning dense shrubs near lawn areas. Apply preventive fungicides during periods of high humidity and heat.
Is it too late to fertilize my lawn in summer?
For warm-season grasses like Bermuda and Zoysia, summer represents prime fertilization time. For cool-season grasses like Fescue and Kentucky Bluegrass, avoid summer fertilization as it creates stress. Wait until fall when temperatures moderate.
