How Can I Keep My Lawn and Landscape Green During Extreme SummerHeat?

When temperatures climb into the 90s and beyond, your lawn and landscaping can quickly begin to show signs of stress. Brown patches, wilted flowers, and drooping shrubs are all common during periods of extreme heat. While Mother Nature may not cooperate, there are several simple steps homeowners can take to help protect their yards and keep them looking their best until cooler weather returns.

Water Smarter, Not More

One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make during a heat wave is watering too often for short periods. Instead, water deeply and less frequently. Deep watering encourages grass and plant roots to grow farther into the soil, making them more resilient during hot, dry conditions.

The best time to water is early in the morning, ideally between 5:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. This allows moisture to soak into the ground before the sun causes excessive evaporation. Avoid watering during the hottest part of the day or late in the evening, as both can reduce effectiveness and increase the risk of lawn disease.

Raise Your Mower Blade

It may seem counterintuitive, but cutting your grass shorter during hot weather actually causes more stress. Raise your mower blade so your grass stays around 3 to 4 inches tall, depending on the grass type. Taller grass shades the soil, reduces water evaporation, and helps keep the root system cooler.

Also, avoid mowing during the hottest part of the day. Early morning or evening mowing is much easier on both your lawn and yourself.

Leave the Grass Clippings

Grass clippings act as a natural mulch by helping the soil retain moisture while returning valuable nutrients back into the lawn. As long as the clippings aren’t excessively long or clumped together, leave them on the lawn after mowing.

Add Mulch Around Plants and Trees

A fresh layer of mulch around flower beds, shrubs, and trees can make a significant difference during extreme heat. Two to three inches of mulch helps regulate soil temperature, slows moisture loss, and reduces weed growth that competes for water.

Just remember to keep mulch a few inches away from tree trunks and plant stems to prevent rot and pest problems.

Hold Off on Fertilizing

Extreme heat is not the time to fertilize your lawn unless you’re using a product specifically designed for summer applications. Fertilizer encourages new growth, which requires additional water and places even more stress on the plant. Waiting until temperatures moderate will produce much better results.

Watch for Signs of Stress

Grass that remains flattened after being stepped on, bluish-gray coloring, curled blades, or wilted plants are all signs your landscape needs water. Catching these warning signs early can help prevent permanent damage.

Check Your Irrigation System

If you have an irrigation system, take a few minutes to make sure every sprinkler head is working properly. Look for clogged nozzles, broken heads, leaks, or sprinklers spraying sidewalks instead of your lawn. A quick inspection can save water while ensuring every area receives adequate coverage.

Be Patient

It’s important to remember that many lawns naturally go dormant during periods of prolonged heat and drought. Dormant grass isn’t necessarily dead it is simply conserving energy until temperatures cool and rainfall returns. Continue providing occasional deep watering, and many lawns will recover beautifully once conditions improve.

A Little Maintenance Goes a Long Way

Extreme summer heat can be tough on every landscape, but a few simple maintenance practices can help your lawn, trees, shrubs, and flowers survive the hottest weeks of the year. By watering wisely, mowing properly, checking your irrigation system, and avoiding unnecessary stress, you’ll give your yard the best chance to stay healthy, green, and beautiful all summer long.

A little attention today can prevent costly repairs and landscape replacements tomorrow and help you enjoy your outdoor spaces even during the dog days of summer.