Summer Lawn Care Survival Guide: Keeping Your Grass Green in the Heat

Summer in the Midwest means BBQs, baseball, and backyard fun—but for your lawn, it can be the most stressful time of the year. High temperatures, dry spells, and heavy foot traffic can turn your once-lush lawn into a patchy, brown eyesore if you’re not careful.

At Heartland Turf, we know how to beat the heat and keep your lawn looking golf-course green all summer long. Here’s our expert guide to help your grass thrive even during the hottest months.

1. Watering Wisely

Water is critical in the summer—but more isn’t always better. The goal is deep, infrequent watering to encourage strong root growth. Here’s how:

• Water early in the morning (between 6–9 a.m.) to reduce evaporation. 
• Aim for 1 to 1.5 inches per week, including rainfall. 
• Watch for signs of stress like wilting or bluish-grey grass blades. 

Frequent, shallow watering leads to weak roots—deep watering builds a tougher, drought-resistant lawn.

2. Mow Smarter, Not Shorter

Mowing too low during summer can damage your lawn and increase moisture loss. Follow these mowing tips to protect your grass:

• Raise your mower blade to 3–4 inches to shade the soil and reduce water evaporation. 
• Never remove more than 1/3 of the blade height at a time. 
• Keep your mower blades sharp to avoid tearing the grass. 

A higher cut helps your lawn withstand heat and crowd out weeds.

3. Fight Back Against Weeds and Pests

Weeds and pests thrive in stressed lawns, and summer is when they strike hardest. Stay on top of these threats:

• We will spot-treat weeds before they spread and compete with your turf for water and nutrients. 
• Watch for signs of lawn pests like grubs and chinch bugs, which can cause serious damage beneath the surface. 

At Heartland Turf, our Round 4 application includes preventive grub control, so your lawn is protected before the damage starts. Grub infestations often go unnoticed until large brown patches appear—but we stop the problem before it begins.

4. Fertilizer—The Right Kind Matters

Fertilizing during summer needs to be done with care. Over-fertilizing can burn your lawn, especially in the heat. That’s why we only use the best.

Heartland Turf uses a professional-grade, slow-release fertilizer during Round 3—the same kind used on golf courses. This premium blend releases nutrients gradually over time, ensuring your lawn stays green, lush, and healthy all summer long.

This approach helps feed your lawn steadily without overwhelming it in the heat, giving you that deep green color with long-lasting results.

 Know When to Call the Pros

Even with the best efforts, summer lawn care can be tricky. Whether it’s handling pest issues, choosing the right fertilizer, or knowing exactly how much to water, a little expert help can go a long way.

Let Heartland Turf take the stress off your plate. With our comprehensive lawn care package and proven summer strategies, you can enjoy your yard without the hassle. 

Let’s Get Your Lawn Summer-Ready

Don’t let the summer heat ruin your lawn. Partner with Heartland Turf and enjoy a yard that stays thick, green, and beautiful all season long. Contact us today for a no obligation quote or to learn more about our lawn care services.