Summer Lawn Care Tips

The dog days are a signal that it's time for a little turf TLC to keep your lawn looking fine. Just put these summer lawn care tips into action and you'll be sitting pretty. (Literally. On your lawn. With a frosty drink in hand.)

Early Summer

Mow high. Taller blades help grass develop deeper roots that are better at seeking out water underground. Tall grass also helps to shade soil and cool it, which means you'll need to water less. (Score!) Continue to mow high all summer long.

Feed. Feeding in the early summer helps strengthen the lawn so it can better withstand the heat and drought conditions that summer is famous for. The Scotts® Turf Builder® line has a range of products for different types of grasses, locations, and conditions, so you can find a summer fertilizer that’s right for your lawn. 

In the North, use Scotts® Turf Builder® SummerGuard® Lawn Food with Insect Control, which both kills and protects against listed insect pests like ants or ticks. The dual-action formula also deep feeds your turf so it can grow thicker and greener, even in hot weather. If you live in the South, use Scotts® Turf Builder® Summer Lawn Food, a lawn food plus water maximizer that helps drive water into dry soils and feeds to build strong, deep roots so even during the heat of summer, you can have a seriously green lawn.

Treat for grubs. If you had a grub problem last year or know that a neighbor is fighting grubs, this is your last chance to fight them this season by applying Scotts® GrubEx® Season Long Grub Killer. These pests munch their way through grass roots, resulting in dead patches in late summer. Don't let 'em win! Not sure if grubs are the problem? Check out our grubs article to learn more about the signs of grubs in your lawn and how to stop them.

Let clippings lie. When you mow, leave the clippings there. They will break down and help to feed your lawn while you're relaxing on the hammock.

Mid-Summer

Feed. For a lush lawn with a deep green hue, try Scotts® Green Max™ Lawn Food. Remember to check the label directions for how often to apply and how long to wait between fertilizer applications.

Apply Scotts® Turf Builder® Healthy Plus Lawn Food if the summer heat is stressing out your lawn. This 2-in-1 fungicide and fertilizer feeds for stronger grass and deeper roots to aid in stress recovery and also controls 27 listed diseases, including pesky summer diseases like summer patch, brown spot, and rust.

Water deeply. Use a screwdriver or small trowel to check how deeply water is penetrating the soil as you water. The goal is to water long enough to reach a depth of 4 to 6 inches. Once you figure out how long it takes to complete the job, go ahead and put that screwdriver away. (Unless you want to carry it around so you look handy.)

Late Summer

Water in the morning. As summer heat builds, your lawn will lose less water to evaporation if you time waterings for between 6 and 10 a.m. Sure, it's early—but who says you have to do it without an energizing beverage?

Sharpen your mower blade. A dull blade tears grass, creating a ragged edge that loses moisture more readily than a clean cut. That's not your style.

With these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying your lawn—and that frosty beverage—all summer long.