Introduction: Why Summer Lawn Care Matters
Summer is the peak growing season for many types of grass, but it is still when your lawn faces tough conditions scorching heat, dry spells, and increased foot traffic. If you are not careful, even the best intention lawn care routine can do more harm than the best.
Avoiding the mistakes of regular
lawn care this summer can be a lush, green garden and a patch, a difference between brown dirt. Let’s dig into the most frequent errors and what you can do instead.
Overwatering Your Lawn
Overwatering is one of the most common harmful mistakes homeowners make. Although it may look like more water is similar to healthy grass, the truth is a lot of moisture, which drops the roots, encourages shallow root systems and breeds fungal diseases.
Best Practices:
- Water deeply but infrequently (about 1 to 1.5 inches per week).
- For monitoring the water level, you can use a rain meter or tuna.
- Water in early morning to reduce evaporation and fungal growth.
Overwater plains often look like people with underwater, making it difficult to diagnose. Check the soil moisture level before grabbing the hose.
Mowing Too Short
Scalping your lawn might make it look tidy, but it weakens the grass and exposes the soil to sun causing weed growth and loss of water.
Optimal grass cutting height by type of grass:
| Grass Type |
Ideal Mowing Height |
| Kentucky Bluegrass |
2.5 – 3.5 inches |
| Fescue |
3 – 4 inches |
| Bermuda |
1 – 2 inches |
| Zoysia |
1 – 2.5 inches |
No more than a third of the height of the grass at a time. Long grass colors the soil and keeps the roots cold – it is necessary to avoid heat heat.
Ignoring Soil Health
No more than a third of the grass height at a time. The long grass colors the soil and keeps the roots cool – it is necessary to avoid heat heat.
Signs of Poor Soil Health:
- Puddling after rain
- Compacted areas
- Uneven growth
Fertilizing at the Wrong Time
Applying fertilizer at the wrong time can cause fertilizer burn or feed weeds instead of grass. In summer, cool-season grasses are dormant and don’t benefit from feeding.
Fertilizer Timing Tips:
- Fertilize warm-season grasses (like Bermuda or Zoysia) in early to mid-summer.
- Avoid fertilizing before a heatwave or drought period.
- Use slow-release formulas to avoid nutrient shock.
Over-fertilizing can also increase thatch and lead to nitrogen runoff — a common environmental hazard.
Watering at the Wrong Time of Day
Watering your lawn at the wrong time of the day, such as afternoon or late at night, can damage your grass. Midday watering leads to rapid evaporation, wasting water, while the water stays wet overnight in the evening, encouraging fungal growth. The best time is early in the morning when the temperature is cold and the winds are cooled.
Using the Wrong Grass Type
Using the wrong grass type for your region can lead to poor lawn performance, especially during extreme summer conditions. Cool-season grasses like fescue may wilt or die in hot southern climates, while warm-season grasses like Bermuda struggle in cooler northern areas. Choose a grass variety suited to your local climate and soil.
Overusing Weed Killers
Overusing weed killers can damage your lawn, harm beneficial plants, and disrupt soil health. Excessive application may stress or kill grass, especially during hot weather. It can also lead to chemical buildup and runoff into nearby water sources. Always follow label instructions and opt for spot treatments instead of blanket spraying.
Forgetting to Aerate
Forgetting to aerate your lawn can lead to compacted soil, which restricts air, water, and nutrient flow to the roots. Over time, this weakens grass and promotes weed growth. Aeration helps break up the soil, encourages deeper root development, and improves overall lawn health. It’s essential for a thriving yard.
Lack of Seasonal Maintenance Planning
Lack of seasonal maintenance planning can leave your lawn vulnerable to weather changes, pests, and nutrient imbalances. Without a clear schedule, important tasks like fertilizing, aerating, or mowing may be missed or mistimed. Creating a lawn care calendar ensures consistent upkeep and helps your grass stay healthy year-round.
Conclusion
Caring for your lawn doesn’t have to be overwhelming but it does require stability, awareness, and smart planning. By avoiding these regular summer mistakes, you give your grass the best chance to thrive, even through tough conditions. Each step means something, from the right water and grass cutting to soil care and seasonal plan. At Evershine Landscaping, we understand what it takes to maintain a lush, healthy lawn all year round. Whether you need professional advice, regular
lawn maintenance, or a complete lawn makeover, our team is here to help you shine. Let your lawn reflect the care taken in your home take care of the smart lawn and be ahead of the season.
