Summer Lawn Care: Tips & Scheduling Guide
People often ask us, “what should I do for my lawn during the summer?” Proper summer lawn care is all about balance—protecting your grass from heat stress, managing moisture, and addressing pests and disease. A good summer lawn care schedule should include watering wisely, applying the right treatments, and planning for seeding if needed. This guide walks through all the essential steps with expert tips and proven Jonathan Green solutions.
Summer Lawn Maintenance
- Water Deeply—But Not Too Often
July and August can be a difficult time for lawns. Long periods of sunshine and drought may cause the grass to turn brown in some areas. Lawns normally need about one inch of water per week, but during extended hot and dry spells, they need closer to two inches, either from rainfall or irrigation.
The temptation is to over-water at this time in an attempt to save the lawn. However, wet grass leaves is an invitation for fungal attack, especially if your lawn is wet going into the night time. Water early in the day to allow the lawn to dry before evening.
- Prevent Fungal Lawn Diseases
A wet lawn combined with high humidity can be a breeding ground for fungal infections like summer patch, dollar spot, red thread, brown patch, and pink snow mold. Jonathan Green’s Lawn Fungus Control treats more than 20 lawn diseases. Be sure to read the instructions on the package before applying. The waxy cuticle coating on Jonathan Green Black Beauty lawn grass also provides natural protection against fungal attack.
- Stop Grubs Before They Destroy Your Roots
In the summer, particularly around July, grubs and insects can attack the lawn. These tiny grubs usually hatch before the end of June and feed on grass roots, rhizomes, and stems. Jonathan Green’s Natural Grub and Insect Control uses plant-based oils to control grubs and surface-feeding insects like chinch bugs, fleas, and ants. This organic summer grass treatment helps prevent root damage and promotes healthy growth.
- Feed with an Organic Summer Lawn Fertilizer
If you feel your lawn could benefit from a feeding during the summer, use Jonathan Green Organic Lawn Food. This fertilizer contains 100% homogenous granules that provide a slow, steady release of nutrients without burning the lawn. The organic matter in this product helps retain water in the soil and feeds the microbes responsible for recycling nutrients and supporting grass plant resistance.
- Seed New Lawns or Repair Bare Spots
Summer is also the best time to seed an existing lawn or start a new one. Here’s why:
The soil is warm, which accelerates germination compared to spring.
Evening temperatures begin to drop, producing heavy dews that supply moisture for seed germination.
Evaporation is reduced, helping soil retain moisture.
Weed competition is minimal by late summer, as crabgrass stops germinating and broadleaf weeds have already seeded.
Fall rains tend to be gentle and consistent, further aiding seed growth.
For best results:
Loosen the soil and rake the seed in, ensuring it’s no more than ¼ inch deep.
Apply a starter fertilizer like Jonathan Green Veri-Green for Seeding and Sodding (12-18-8) to encourage deep root development.
- Check and Adjust Your Soil’s pH
Healthy lawns grow best in soil with a pH of 6.2 to 6.9. If your reading is too low, apply Jonathan Green’s Mag-I-Cal for Lawns in Acidic Soil to raise the pH. This product contains 35% calcium and works faster than lime, while also being safe for use around children and pets.
If your soil pH is 7 or higher, use Mag-I-Cal Plus for Lawns in Alkaline Soil. It contains sulfur to lower pH and improve nutrient uptake, along with calcium carbonate and humates to promote microbial activity and root health.
FAQ: Summer Lawn Care Tips
Q: What’s the best summer grass treatment for fungus? A: Use Jonathan Green Lawn Fungus Control, which targets over 20 types of lawn diseases common in summer.
Q: How often should I water my lawn during summer? A: Water 1–2 inches per week depending on heat and drought. Always water in the morning to reduce risk of disease.
Q: Can I seed my lawn in summer? A: Yes—especially late summer, when warm soil and cooler nights improve germination. Use Veri-Green for best results.
Keep Your Lawn Thriving All Summer
Maintaining a healthy lawn during the summer months requires attention to watering, pest control, fertilization, and seeding. While drought conditions can stress the grass, over-watering and fungal diseases are also common threats. By using grass treatments like Jonathan Green’s Lawn Fungus Control, Natural Grub and Insect Control, and Organic Lawn Food, and following proper lawn care practices, you can ensure strong, resilient grass. With the right summer grass care routine, your lawn can thrive into the fall and beyond.
