When temperatures start rising, your lawn is one of the first things to feel the stress. Yellow patches, dry soil, and stunted growth are all signs of heat damage. But with the right early steps, you can prepare your yard to thrive—even through the hottest days. Here's how to get your lawn summer-ready the smart way.
Start with a Deep Soil Check 🌱
Before summer even begins, check the condition of your soil. If it's compacted, water can't get through—and neither can nutrients. Use a garden fork or aerator to loosen things up, allowing roots to grow deeper. Consider a soil test to check pH and nutrient levels. If the balance is off, your grass won't be able to handle stress well. Add organic matter like compost or peat moss to improve structure and moisture retention. Early soil care sets the foundation for heat resistance, helping your lawn survive longer dry spells without constant watering.
Mow Higher and Less Often 🏡✂️
It might seem counterintuitive, but cutting your grass too short in summer can actually do more harm than good. Taller blades provide shade for the roots and reduce water loss from the soil. Set your mower to the highest recommended setting for your grass type—usually around 3 to 4 inches. Letting the grass grow a little longer also encourages deeper root systems, which can access moisture more effectively. Don’t scalp your lawn right before a heatwave; this leaves it vulnerable to sun scorch and drought stress. And remember to keep your mower blades sharp—clean cuts heal faster.
Water Early, Deeply, and Infrequently 💧⏰
Proper watering is essential when prepping for heat. Instead of daily light sprinkles, water your lawn deeply 2–3 times per week in the early morning—ideally before 9 a.m. This allows water to soak down to the roots and reduces evaporation. A deep watering encourages stronger root growth and helps grass survive longer without additional irrigation. Use a rain gauge or empty tuna can to measure about 1 inch of water per session. Avoid watering at night, which can promote fungus. Investing in a smart irrigation system can help maintain this schedule with minimal effort.
Feed Your Lawn the Right Nutrients 🍃🧪
Feeding your lawn properly before the peak of summer can make a major difference. Use a slow-release fertilizer designed for warm-season grass types and avoid high-nitrogen blends that can cause rapid, weak growth. Instead, choose a balanced formula that promotes root strength and water retention. Apply during the late spring or early summer, following label directions carefully to avoid burning the grass. You can also incorporate natural options like compost tea or seaweed extract to improve stress tolerance. Healthy, well-fed grass handles heat with less effort and recovers more quickly after damage.
Prevent Pests and Weeds Before They Spread 🐜🌾
Summer heat brings more than just sunshine—it also invites pests and invasive weeds. Stay ahead of the game by applying a pre-emergent weed treatment in late spring and keeping an eye out for early signs of grubs, chinch bugs, or fungal diseases. Thatch buildup can also harbor insects and prevent moisture from reaching the roots, so consider dethatching your lawn if the layer is over half an inch thick. Integrated pest management (IPM) is the best approach: combine cultural, mechanical, and organic methods to keep your yard healthy without overusing chemicals.