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7 To-Dos For a Fresh and Fabulous Summertime Lawn

A hand holding a yellow sprayer and watering plants and flowers.

We get it—maintaining your yard during summer ranks low on the fun factor, but keeping your grass green and plants happy is a must-do. The extreme temperatures and unpredictable summer storms can cause severe stress for your lawn and the plants and trees within it. Check out our list of to-dos to ensure the best summer lawn care all season long.

1.    Plant water-conserving plants.

This time of year, it’s easy to exhaust yourself trying to keep plants that require tons of maintenance alive. Avoid this common problem by ensuring your plants can withstand the summer’s high temperatures and low moisture levels. Look up plants native to your area and try to adjust your lawn or garden to be fully compatible with the heat, saving you time—and money on your water bills.

Spring-blooming plants that are somewhat drought-tolerant include:

  • Forsythia
  • Lilac
  • Spirea
  • Weiglia

2.    Keep your lawn hydrated.

This doesn’t mean you should water your grass while the sun is at its highest. Keeping your lawn hydrated during the summer months is about planning. Watering in the early morning or setting your sprinklers to activate later in the evening will prevent the sun from evaporating the water your grass needs too quickly. Drip irrigation is another solution to summer lawn watering, allowing plants to absorb water slowly so that overwatering doesn’t disrupt the health of your yard.

3.    Mow once a week.

In the summer especially, mowing can seem like a horrific chore. Consider setting a schedule, rewarding yourself, or getting a tech gadget, like a robot lawnmower, to help you stay motivated to get the job done. Always mow your lawn at least once a week, if not more, depending on your desired style and community guidelines.

More Lawn-Mowing Tips

  • Mow your lawn between 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM.
  • Don't mow grass that's very wet or dry.
  • Vary your mowing patterns. 
  • Never cut your grass below three inches.
  • Prevent your blades from getting dull with regular sharpenings. 

red lawn mower mowing lawn in summer

4.    Clean up after your pets.

Without constant rainfall or proper irrigation, having pets can take its toll on your yard. Disposing of your pets’ waste promptly and flushing areas of dying or wilting grass to dilute waste will keep your lawn free of dead patches. 

Doggie doors let your pets go out to do their business when they need to. Click here to get ideas for doggie door installation and best practices.

5.    Promptly take care of weeds.

Weeds not only steal the spotlight from your precious plants—they also steal the water and nutrients, too. Organic lawn care at its finest, schedule weeding and mowing at the same time to help you stick with it and prevent your grass and other plants from getting overtaken before autumn arrives. 

6.    Consider using mulch to conserve moisture.

Many people incorporate a yearly mulch purchase as part of their spring and summer landscaping—and for good reason. Mulch can cultivate a healthy garden or landscape, locking in soil moisture and preventing your garden or lawn from losing water too quickly. 

7.    Add pest-resistant flora.

If mosquitoes or other pesky bugs run rampant in your area, the plants in your garden can be used as a deterrent. Some of the best mosquito-repellant plants include:

  • Marigolds
  • Mint
  • Bee balm
  • Rosemary
  • Lemon balm
  • Scented geranium
  • Catnip
  • Lemon grass
  • Basil
  • Sage
  • Eucalyptus
  • Thyme

Check out these other mosquito repelling ideas and consider incorporating a few so you can enjoy your lawn or garden in bug-free peace.

house with bright green lawn

Summer Maintenance Checklist for Your Home

Just like your summer lawn care, your home also needs a little extra TLC this time of year. Our article, “Summer Maintenance Checklist for Your Home,” gives you a rundown of tasks that’ll help keep your home in tip-top shape.

FAQs

What should I put on my lawn in the summer?

Feed your lawn a nutrient-rich fertilizer to maintain soil health throughout the summer.

How do I make my lawn green and thick during the summer?

Giving your lawn the attention it deserves all season long will help you maintain green and thick grass. Water your lawn, fertilize, mow, aerate, and manage weeds to sustain a beautiful summertime lawn.

How often should I sprinkle my lawn in the summer?

In the summer, lawns generally need about ½-inch of water approximately every three days. If you live in a hotter zone with a lot of sun, you may need about ½ inch of water every two days.