Summer heat can be brutal on your lawn. Between rising temperatures, drought, and pests, even healthy grass can quickly fade. But with the right care, your lawn can stay green, strong, and resilient all season long. Here are 10 essential summer lawn care tips to protect your grass from summer stress.
Common Summer Lawn Problems
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Heat stress: Grass slows growth and turns brown in sustained heat above 85–90°F.
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Drought: High evaporation and low rainfall cause shallow, dry roots.
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Weeds: Opportunistic species like crabgrass and nutsedge spread fast in thin, stressed lawns.
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Insects: Grubs and chinch bugs damage roots and blades, leaving brown patches.
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Compacted soil: Frequent foot traffic compresses soil, limiting water and air flow.
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Fungal disease: Humid, warm conditions invite lawn diseases like brown patch and dollar spot.
10 Tips to Keep Grass Healthy All Summer
1. Start with a Soil Test
Healthy lawns begin with healthy soil. Test your soil’s pH and nutrient levels, then apply the right amendments before summer stress kicks in.
2. Mow Higher
Raise your mowing height to shade the soil and conserve moisture.
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Cool-season grass: 3–4 inches
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Warm-season grass: 1.5–2.5 inches
Never cut more than one-third of the grass blade at once.
3. Water Deeply, Not Often
Water early in the morning, 1–2 times a week, delivering about 1–1.5 inches total. Deep watering encourages strong, drought-resistant roots.
4. Fertilize Only Warm-Season Grass
Summer is the active growth period for Bermuda and Zoysia—apply slow-release nitrogen now. Hold off on fertilizing cool-season grasses until fall.
5. Stay Ahead of Weeds
Apply pre-emergents in spring, and treat visible weeds with post-emergent spot treatments. For smaller patches, hand-pulling works best after watering.
6. Aerate Compacted Areas
Core aeration loosens soil and improves root access to water and nutrients. Focus on high-traffic areas, ideally in late spring or early summer.
7. Dethatch If Needed
If thatch is thicker than ½ inch, it’s time to dethatch. Do this when your grass is actively growing so it can recover quickly.
8. Prevent Lawn Diseases
Water in the morning, avoid evening moisture, and mow properly. Apply fungicides at the first sign of disease.
9. Keep Mower Blades Sharp
Dull blades tear the grass, making it more vulnerable to heat and disease. Sharpen every 10–15 hours of use or when you see frayed tips.
10. Overseed Warm-Season Thin Spots
Summer is ideal for overseeding Bermuda or Bahia grass. Keep seeds moist during germination and delay herbicide use until new grass is established.
Don’t Sweat It—We Can Help
At Mile High Lifescape, we know how Colorado’s climate affects your lawn. Our expert team offers:
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Customized summer lawn care plans
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Professional soil testing and targeted treatments
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Fertilization, aeration, weed control, and disease management
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Certified technicians and eco-friendly practices
📞 Get a free lawn evaluation and keep your yard looking great—even in peak heat.
🌏 Contact Us
Mile High Lifescape
Address: 1007 S Federal Blvd, Denver, CO 80219, US
Phone: 1-303-877-9091
Website: https://milehighlifescape.com/
Email: hello@milehighlifescape.com
Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps?cid=8131554802714482277
FAQs
How often should I water?
1–1.5 inches per week, applied in deep sessions—never daily light watering.
What mowing height is best in summer?
3–4 inches for cool-season grass, 1.5–2.5 inches for warm-season.
Can I fertilize in summer?
Only warm-season grasses should be fertilized now. Wait until fall for cool-season lawns.
How do I prevent summer diseases?
Water early, mow properly, and use fungicides if needed. Good cultural practices are your first line of defense.
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