How to Protect Your Lawn From the Summer Heat

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Texas is known for its hot summers. In July and August, the Lone Star State’s average temperature is approximately 96 degrees Fahrenheit.

Combined with moderate to high humidity, this heat can wreak havoc on your lawn, causing it to dry out and eventually die.

As a homeowner, however, there are several precautions you can take to protect your lawn from the summer heat.

Reduce Foot Traffic

Try to limit the amount of foot traffic to which your lawn is exposed. Rather than walking directly through your lawn, consider using the sidewalk or driveway.

You can usually walk over grass without ill effect. During the summer, though, this can stress your lawn to the point where it’s unable to cope with the heat.

Water Regularly

Depending on the climate, as well as the type of grass, most lawns require between 1 and 2 inches of water per week during the summer.

If there’s a drought in your area, you may need to set up a sprinkler to hydrate your lawn.

By regularly watering your lawn, it shouldn’t dry out, even when exposed to the scorching-hot summer temperatures.

Raise Your Mower Blade

Another way to protect your lawn from the summer heat is to raise the blade on your lawnmower. Setting the blade to the lowest height offers the benefit of a shorter lawn, meaning you won’t have to mow your lawn as frequently.

Unfortunately, this comes at the cost of increased stress. When your lawn is mowed too short, it won’t be able to absorb as much moisture, resulting in a higher susceptibility to dehydration under the summer sun.

Don’t Fertilize

While applying fertilizer may sound like an effective way to stimulate your lawn’s growth, it generally offers little or no benefit during the summer.

Lawns are typically stressed during the summer. And when your lawn is stressed, it won’t absorb or use nutrients from fertilizer.

Instead of fertilizing your lawn during the summer, wait until the beginning of spring when the grass is emerging from its dormant state.

Choose the Right Grass for Your Lawn

Finally, be sure to plant the right variety of grass. In Texas, some of the top residential grasses include Buffalo, Bermuda, St. Augustine, Centipede, Fescue and Carpet, all of which are acclimated to the state’s hot summer temperatures.

If you choose a different variety, you may struggle to keep it hydrated and healthy during this time of year.

The Woodsman Company offers tree planting, tree pruning and shrub trimming, tree removal and stump grinding as well as a tree wellness program.

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