How to Keep Your Lawn Healthy in Summer

As summer approaches, we look forward to spending more time outdoors, soaking up the sun and enjoying the warm weather. However, our lawns probably don't share the same enthusiasm for the season.

The intense heat, prolonged droughts, and increased outdoor activities that often accompany summer can strain even the most well-maintained lawns. The lush, green grass we adore can dramatically turn brown and patchy under these conditions.

Understanding the challenges your lawn faces and taking proactive steps to resolve them and keep your lawn thriving all summer is essential. With some extra maintenance and attention, you can ensure your landscape remains a bright, welcoming space throughout the season and beyond.

Summer Lawn Care: How to Maintain Your Lawn This Season

While spring is the time for rejuvenating your lawn by laying new sod, summer is all about strengthening your grass and preventing damage. Your summer lawn maintenance should focus on hydration and developing a resilient, dense root system to withstand the harsh conditions of the season.

Watering

Warm-season grasses like Bermuda, Zoysia, and St. Augustine are known for their drought tolerance. They typically require about 1-1.5 inches of water per week. However, even these grasses benefit from additional watering during extended hot and dry spells to avoid permanent damage.

For effective watering, avoid daily light sprinkling, which encourages shallow root growth. Instead, water your lawn deeply 1-2 times a week until the soil is moist up to 6-8 inches deep. The optimal time to water is early morning before 10 a.m., allowing the water to penetrate the soil before it evaporates during the heat of the day. Avoid watering during the hottest part of the day or at night, which can promote fungal growth. Most importantly, make sure to follow any local watering restrictions.

Mowing

Mowing at the highest recommended height for your grass type, up to 3 inches, helps shade the soil, protecting the roots and crowns from intense heat and reducing evaporation. Taller grass also aids in weed control by blocking sunlight from reaching weed seeds. Consider mulching your grass clippings to restore valuable nutrients to the soil and retain moisture, benefitting your lawn's health.

Additionally, keep your mower blades sharp—dull mower blades tear the grass rather than cutting it cleanly, leading to ragged edges that can turn brown and increase the risk of disease. Avoid cutting more than one-third of the grass height at a time. Removing too much at once can stress the grass and prevent its growth. Frequent, lighter mowing is better for maintaining lawn health.

Fertilizing

Warm-season grasses grow most vigorously from late spring through early fall, requiring a consistent nutrient supply to stay healthy and green. Regular fertilizing supports strong root development, allowing your lawn to withstand heat and occasional drought.

A well-fertilized lawn is denser and thicker, effectively crowding out weeds and handling foot traffic better. Aim to fertilize every 6-8 weeks during the growing season, adjusting to the specific needs of your lawn for optimal results.

Repairing

Although spring is ideal for sod installation, summer can also be a successful planting period with diligent care. Installing sod during this season requires consistent moisture to prevent the roots from drying. Keeping the soil consistently moist during the initial establishment stage is essential for the new sod to root and thrive.

High-Quality Sod from Bethel Farms

Sod delivers several benefits, including faster establishment than seeding, providing immediate ground cover to prevent soil erosion and weed growth. It can introduce a new grass variety better suited to your environment and is also an effective way to repair damaged lawn areas, making sure your outdoor space stays lush and inviting throughout the summer.

Bethel Farms is one of the preferred sod farms in Central Florida, providing high-quality grass for installation. Our premium sod ensures faster establishment and resilient growth, making it an excellent option for homeowners looking to improve their lawns. By buying sod from a reputable provider like Bethel Farms, you can be confident in your lawn's health and appearance.

Following these summer lawn care routines can help you maintain a healthy, green lawn that is resilient to the season's challenges and provides a beautiful backdrop for all your outdoor activities.

Visit our website for more tips and to explore a wide range of grass for sale.