As temperatures rise, your lawn and garden face intense stress from heat, dryness, and prolonged sun exposure. A proactive approach now can protect your yard’s health and appearance through the hottest months. With the right care strategies, you can keep your grass green, your flowers blooming, and your outdoor space thriving all summer long.
Adjust Mowing Habits for Hotter Conditions
During summer, mowing your lawn too short can weaken the grass and expose soil to harsh sunlight. Instead, raise your mower blade to keep grass at a height of about 3–4 inches. Taller grass provides shade to the roots, reduces water evaporation, and helps block weed growth, creating a healthier, more resilient lawn.
Avoid mowing during the hottest parts of the day, as this can further stress your lawn. Try mowing early in the morning or late in the evening when temperatures are lower. Also, be sure your mower blades are sharp—clean cuts heal faster and cause less damage. These simple adjustments can make a noticeable difference during prolonged heat waves.
Water Deeply, Not Frequently
When it comes to watering, deeper and less frequent is better than light daily sprinkles. Aim to water your lawn and garden about 1 inch per week, either from rainfall or irrigation. This encourages roots to grow deeper into the soil, where they’re more protected from heat and drought.
Water early in the morning to reduce evaporation and allow foliage to dry throughout the day, minimizing the risk of disease. If you’re using sprinklers, ensure they provide even coverage without oversaturating. Drip irrigation systems or soaker hoses are excellent for flower beds and shrubs, delivering moisture right to the roots where it’s needed most.
Mulch Beds and Borders to Retain Moisture
Mulching is one of the easiest and most effective ways to protect your garden from summer heat. A 2–3 inch layer of mulch around plants and trees helps the soil retain moisture, suppresses weeds, and regulates soil temperature. Organic mulches like bark, straw, or compost also break down over time, enriching the soil.
Be sure to keep mulch a few inches away from plant stems and tree trunks to avoid rot and pest issues. Replenish mulch as needed throughout the summer, especially after heavy rain. In addition to its protective benefits, mulch can also improve the appearance of your beds and borders, giving your yard a polished, well-maintained look.
Choose Heat-Tolerant Plants and Grass Varieties
Selecting plants that thrive in your climate zone is key to surviving summer heat. Native plants and drought-tolerant perennials like lavender, coneflower, and sedum are excellent choices. These varieties require less water and maintenance while attracting pollinators that support a healthy ecosystem.
For your lawn, opt for heat-resistant grass types like Bermuda, Zoysia, or Buffalo grass if you live in a warmer region. These varieties hold up better under stress and require less watering. If you’re unsure what grows best in your area, consult your local garden center or extension office. Smart planting choices now can save time, money, and frustration later.
Feed and Aerate With Care
Fertilizing during the summer requires a gentle touch. Too much fertilizer can scorch your lawn, especially in hot weather. Use a slow-release, low-nitrogen formula and apply it during cooler parts of the season—early summer is ideal. This supports steady growth without overstimulating your grass during peak heat.
Aeration can also help your lawn cope with summer stress by loosening compacted soil and improving water and nutrient absorption. If your lawn gets heavy foot traffic, consider core aeration before temperatures soar. For the best results, combine aeration with overseeding in the early fall to fill in thin spots and promote a lush, thick lawn come next summer.
Give Your Lawn a Fighting Chance
Surviving summer heat starts with smart, consistent care. Raising your mowing height, watering wisely, and protecting your soil with mulch all work together to keep your lawn and landscaping healthy. With a few seasonal adjustments and thoughtful plant choices, your outdoor space can stay vibrant even as the temperatures climb. Preparation now means less stress (and more green) in the months ahead.