28June 2025
As the temperatures rise and the days get longer in Bergen County, your lawn faces one of its biggest challenges of the year: summer. Whether you live in Midland Park, Ridgewood, Wyckoff, Glen Rock, or anywhere nearby, you’ve likely noticed that the lush green grass of spring doesn’t stay that way without a little extra care.
Summer lawn care isn’t about working harder—it’s about working smarter. With the right strategies, you can keep your yard looking green, healthy, and inviting, even during the hottest months of the year.
Why Summer is Tough on Lawns
Summer brings:
-
High heat and intense sun, which dries out soil
-
Less frequent rainfall, which stresses roots
-
Increased foot traffic, which compacts soil and damages grass blades
-
More pests and weeds, which can quickly take advantage of weakened lawns
Your lawn’s ability to bounce back from these conditions depends on how well you support it through smart seasonal care.
10 Survival Tips for a Healthy Summer Lawn
1. Mow High to Shade the Soil
Raise your mower blades to 3–4 inches. Taller grass shades the soil, reducing evaporation and keeping roots cooler. It also encourages deeper root growth, which improves drought resistance.
2. Water Deeply, Not Daily
Instead of light daily watering, water deeply 1–2 times per week—aiming for 1 to 1.5 inches of water total (including rainfall). Deep watering encourages roots to grow downward where the soil stays cooler and wetter.
3. Mulch Grass Clippings
Leave clippings on the lawn after mowing (mulch mowing). They decompose quickly and return moisture and nutrients to the soil—no need to bag them unless clumps form.
4. Avoid Fertilizing During Heatwaves
Fertilizer can stress your lawn during peak heat. If your grass is struggling, opt for organic, slow-release products and apply in early morning or late evening to reduce burn risk.
5. Don’t Over-Mow
Mowing too often—or too short—can severely stress your lawn in the summer. Never remove more than 1/3 of the grass blade height at a time, and avoid mowing during the hottest part of the day.
6. Sharpen Your Mower Blades
Dull mower blades tear the grass, leaving jagged edges that lose moisture and invite disease. Keep blades sharp for clean cuts and a healthier lawn.
7. Spot-Treat Weeds Instead of Spraying Everything
Summer is not the time for broad herbicide applications. Instead, hand-pull or spot-treat visible weeds with post-emergent herbicides or eco-friendly alternatives like vinegar-based sprays.
8. Watch for Signs of Stress
If your lawn turns grayish, wilted, or doesn’t spring back after stepping on it, it may need more water or a break from foot traffic. Use garden paths or stepping stones to reduce wear in high-traffic areas.
9. Aerate if Needed—but Cautiously
If your soil is compacted and the lawn is struggling, light aeration in early summer (before extreme heat sets in) can help. Avoid heavy core aeration until fall for best results.
10. Let Grass Go Dormant if Needed
It’s natural for cool-season grasses to go dormant during dry, hot spells. Water occasionally to keep the crown alive, but don’t try to force growth—it’s better to let the grass rest and bounce back when cooler temps return.
Your Lawn Can Beat the Heat
Summer lawn care doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the tips in this guide, you can take a smart, sustainable approach that keeps your yard green while minimizing your workload—and environmental footprint.
Stay tuned for the next post in our Summer Lawn Care Blog Series, where we’ll explore the best mowing practices to support grass growth in the extreme heat of summer!
Ready for a Green, Quiet Summer Lawn?
Let QuietCare Landscaping be your partner in sustainable lawn care. With our expertise and eco-friendly tools, you can enjoy a thriving yard without noisy engines or excessive effort.
Contact us today for a free consultation or quote:
-
Phone: (201) 663‑5387
-
Business Hours: Monday–Saturday, 7 AM–3 PM