How to Manage Your Lawn in Late Summer – Keep Your Grass Healthy & Resilient

Late summer brings high temperatures, dry conditions, and increased foot traffic, which can leave your lawn looking stressed, patchy, or discolored. Proper lawn care during this season is essential to maintain strong root systems, prevent damage, and prepare for the cooler months ahead.

Key Steps for Late Summer Lawn Maintenance

✅ Adjust Your Mowing Height

• Keep grass slightly taller (around 3-4 inches) to provide shade for the soil and reduce water loss.
• Avoid cutting more than one-third of the grass blade at a time to prevent stress.

✅ Deep & Infrequent Watering

• Water your lawn early in the morning, 2-3 times per week, allowing deep root penetration.
• Aim for about 1 inch of water per week, including rainfall, to keep the soil moist but not oversaturated.

✅ Aerate to Improve Root Health

• Late summer is the perfect time to aerate compacted soil, helping oxygen, water, and nutrients reach the roots.
• Use a core aerator to remove small plugs of soil and reduce thatch buildup.

✅ Fertilize for Strength & Recovery

• Apply a slow-release, nitrogen-rich fertilizer to promote green growth and prepare for fall recovery.
• Organic options like compost tea or seaweed extract provide essential nutrients without chemical overload.

✅ Weed Control & Prevention

• Summer weeds, such as crabgrass and dandelions, thrive in weakened lawns. Apply a targeted weed control treatment to prevent spreading.
• Keep your grass healthy to naturally outcompete weeds.

✅ Patch Bare Spots & Reseed If Needed

• If your lawn has thin or dead patches, overseeding with heat-tolerant grass varieties can fill in gaps before fall.
• Use topsoil or compost to cover new seeds, ensuring better moisture retention and germination.

✅ Mulch & Compost for Moisture Retention

• Grass clippings act as natural mulch, helping to lock in soil moisture and return nutrients to the lawn.
• Compost application can improve soil structure and microbial activity, making your lawn healthier over time.

Common Late Summer Lawn Problems & Solutions

⚠ Brown Patches & Dry Spots
✔ Solution: Deep, infrequent watering and aeration to improve soil moisture retention.

⚠ Thin or Patchy Grass
✔ Solution: Overseeding and fertilizing to encourage new growth.

⚠ Excessive Thatch Buildup
✔ Solution: Dethatching or aerating to break up compacted organic matter.

⚠ Increased Weed Growth
✔ Solution: Apply targeted weed control and maintain a healthy, dense lawn to prevent weeds from taking over.

The Result: A Strong, Resilient Lawn Ready for Fall

Managing your lawn in late summer ensures it remains green, healthy, and well-prepared for the changing season. By watering properly, fertilizing wisely, and preventing common issues, your lawn will recover faster and stay lush throughout the year.

🌿 Need help with late summer lawn care? Contact us today for expert advice and lawn maintenance services!