How to Keep Your Lawn Green and Healthy During the Summer Heat

Summer is the season for outdoor fun, backyard barbecues, and vibrant landscapes. But for your lawn, it’s also the most challenging time of the year. Scorching temperatures, dry spells, and increased foot traffic can leave your turf looking tired, dry, and discolored. If you’re wondering how to keep your lawn green and healthy during the summer heat, you’re not alone.

At OakLawn Landscaping, we understand the stress summer places on your landscape. That’s why we’ve compiled these essential summer lawn care tips to help protect your investment and maintain a thriving, attractive lawn all season long.

Water Deeply and Efficiently

Watering is critical in summer, but more doesn’t always mean better. The goal is to water deeply and infrequently to promote deep root growth, which helps your lawn withstand drought conditions and high temperatures.

• Timing is key: Water early in the morning—between 5 and 9 a.m.—to reduce evaporation and give your lawn time to absorb moisture before the heat of the day.
• Depth matters: Aim for 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week, applied in one or two deep sessions instead of several light ones.
• Watch for signs: If your grass turns a dull bluish-gray or footprints remain after walking across it, it’s time to water.

If you have an automated irrigation system, it’s essential to make sure it’s calibrated properly. At OakLawn Landscaping, our irrigation services help ensure your system is operating at peak efficiency, minimizing waste and maximizing coverage for a healthier lawn.

Mow High, Mow Right

It’s tempting to cut your grass short to stretch out the time between mows, but doing so can actually harm your lawn during summer. Taller grass provides natural shade for the soil, helping it retain moisture and resist weed growth.

• Keep mower blades sharp to avoid tearing grass, which can lead to brown tips and increased water loss.
• Raise your mowing height to 3–4 inches during the summer.
• Follow the one-third rule: Never remove more than one-third of the grass blade height at a time to avoid stressing the turf.

Our professional lawn maintenance services include regular mowing with commercial-grade equipment and seasonal mowing height adjustments based on your turf type and environmental conditions.

Boost Resilience with Drought-Resistant Landscaping

If you’re consistently battling brown spots and wilting turf during dry periods, it may be time to rethink your landscape design. Drought-resistant landscaping can reduce water use while keeping your yard beautiful.

• Incorporate native plants that are well-adapted to the Maryland climate and require less water.
• Use mulch around garden beds and tree bases to retain soil moisture and regulate temperature.
• Add ground covers and ornamental grasses that tolerate heat and need minimal irrigation.

At OakLawn Landscaping, our landscape enhancement services are tailored to your property’s conditions, blending beauty and sustainability for a landscape that thrives through the heat.

Fertilize Thoughtfully

While spring and fall are ideal for most fertilization, your lawn may benefit from a slow-release fertilizer in early summer to support continued growth and green color. However, avoid applying fertilizer during extreme heat, as this can stress the grass and potentially burn it.

Understanding the right balance of nutrients is key. Our lawn care experts can evaluate your soil and turf to determine the best summer fertilization strategy, supporting strong roots and consistent color through the hottest months.

Stay Ahead of Weeds, Pests, and Disease

Summer heat and humidity create prime conditions for lawn pests, fungal diseases, and aggressive weed growth. Common problems include:

• Grubs and other lawn insects feeding on grass roots.
• Fungal diseases like brown patch or dollar spot.
• Weeds that thrive in thinning or stressed turf.

An integrated lawn care plan can help you stay ahead of these issues. OakLawn’s landscape maintenance programs include regular monitoring, pest and weed control, and tailored treatments to stop problems before they spread.

Maintain a Clean and Clear Landscape

Keeping your lawn free of debris is especially important in summer. Fallen branches, leaves, and grass clippings can block sunlight and trap moisture, increasing the risk of disease. Regular cleanups not only improve curb appeal but also help your lawn breathe and grow freely.

Our team can assist with everything from edging and trimming to debris removal, ensuring your landscape stays neat and healthy all season.

When in Doubt, Call OakLawn

Between juggling irrigation schedules, managing pests, and adjusting mowing heights, summer lawn care can feel like a full-time job. That’s why more homeowners and property managers are turning to professional landscaping services for peace of mind and long-lasting results.

At OakLawn Landscaping, we bring decades of experience and a deep understanding of the local climate to every property we maintain. Whether you need help keeping your lawn green or want to install more heat-tolerant landscaping, we’re here to help.

Your Summer-Ready Lawn Starts Here

Don’t let the summer heat take a toll on your landscape. With the right care and support, your lawn can stay green, healthy, and vibrant all season long. From smart irrigation to drought-resistant design and professional maintenance, OakLawn Landscaping has the tools and expertise to keep your yard looking its best.

Call us today at 301-854-0684 to schedule your summer lawn consultation or visit our contact page to get started.

Let’s work together to make your lawn the envy of the neighborhood—no matter how high the temperatures climb.