Avoid These Common Lawn Care Mistakes in the Summer

Posted on July 8th, 2025.

Summer presents a unique set of challenges that can quietly creep in and transform our lawns into a battleground against nature's own version of stress.

To maintain the health and vitality of our lawns during the summer months, it's important to understand and avoid common mistakes.

By making small adjustments to our lawn care routine and addressing potential issues proactively, we can ensure that our outdoor space remains a beautiful and inviting sanctuary throughout the season.

Summer Lawn Stress and How to Combat It

Summer lawn stress is a common challenge for many homeowners, as the intense heat and lack of rain can wreak havoc on your green oasis. Grass, like most plants, reacts to stress signals by focusing its energy on survival rather than growth, which can lead to a lawn that looks patchy, brown, and worn out.

During this period, adjust your lawn care practices to meet the demands of the warmer climate. For example, you may need to assess your watering routine. Watering deeply, but less frequently, encourages grass roots to grow deeper, boosting their ability to withstand prolonged dry spells.

Additionally, knowing your lawn's stress signals can help you take preventive actions before the situation worsens, such as recognizing when the grass is wilting or when the soil feels compact and dry. By keeping an eye out for these signs of summer lawn stress, you can prevent long-term damage and maintain your lawn's health and appearance.

Beyond managing watering schedules, the type of grass in your lawn plays a pivotal role in how well it withstands the summer heat. Selecting drought-tolerant grass types tailored to the local climate can make all the difference between a robust lawn and one that struggles as temperatures rise. Varieties such as fine fescue, tall fescue, and buffalo grass have been celebrated for their resilience in both high heat and dry conditions.

If restructuring or reseeding your lawn is on your mind, consider these hardy options. These grass types not only conserve water but also require less maintenance, making them ideal for property owners seeking a more sustainable approach to lawn care.

Researching or consulting with a local lawn specialist about the best options will ensure your lawn is equipped with the right grass that thrives rather than merely survives the summer heatwave. Doing this can significantly reduce summer lawn stress and will save you time and effort down the road, providing a lush, green backdrop to your outdoor activities.

Effective Weed Control Strategies for Hot Weather

During the summer, weeds can quickly become more problematic due to several factors, including increased temperatures, extended periods of daylight, and occasional heavy rains. Warm weather provides ideal conditions for many common weeds to germinate and proliferate, challenging your lawn's well-being.

Typically, these hardy plants can thrive even when your grass is stressed by heat and drought, stubbornly sprouting up and aggressively crowding out desired species. Thus, it's critical to adopt effective weed control to maintain your lawn’s vitality throughout this season. While weeds are adept at finding chinks in the armor of your summer lawn, the right strategies can—and will—help keep them at bay.

First, cultivating a healthy, dense lawn is the best defense against weeds. When your grass is in optimal condition, its thick canopy effectively blocks sunlight from reaching the weed seeds lying in wait beneath the soil. The resulting lack of light hampers weed germination, dramatically reducing their ability to establish and flourish.

Switching your mower to a higher setting, around 3 inches or higher, can significantly bolster your lawn's resilience. This gives your grass roots better insulation against the summer heat while also shading—and stifling—weeds attempting to rise. Additionally, incorporating cultural practices such as overseeding or aerating can fill in bare patches where weeds are more likely to take hold, leading to more uniform and robust lawn coverage when temperatures climb.

Moreover, effective weed control in hot weather isn't solely about fighting what has already grown; it’s often about preventing potential invasions. Utilizing pre-emergent herbicides during early summer—ideally before the weeds can germinate—is a wise preventative measure. These herbicides establish a protective barrier in the soil, impairing the growth of problem weeds before they present an issue.

However, timing and application consistency are key; they should be applied uniformly, following the product instructions closely to avoid sporadic coverage. Keep in mind, though, frequent use of chemical herbicides is not always necessary; eco-friendly weed control alternatives offer minimal environmental impact and encourage biological diversity. 

Lawn Pest Prevention and Fertilization in Summertime

When the temperatures soar and your backyard becomes a haven for family barbecues or lazy afternoons, there's one aspect that often gets overshadowed: lawn pest prevention. The summer heat awakens not just the lushness in your grass but also the activity of various pests that can wreak havoc on all your hard work. Knowing what to look for is half the battle.

During summer, several pests become more prevalent, each with their own mode of destruction and methods of control. Recognizing these invaders early can help you take action before significant damage occurs. Here's a crash course in identifying and tackling those summer lawn pests:

• Grubs: These are beetle larvae that feed on grassroots, causing your lawn to feel spongy and develop brown patches. They’re typically active from late summer into early fall.
• Chinch Bugs: These small insects suck the sap from grass blades, resulting in wilting and dying spots. They thrive in sunny areas and love the heat.
• Armyworms: True to their name, these caterpillars eat in masses and can strip foliage swiftly, creating brown patches overnight.

To counter these pests, a multifaceted approach is recommended. Start by maintaining a healthy lawn, as robust grass is better equipped to resist pest damage. Regular mowing at an appropriate height, judicious watering, and proper fertilization create an environment that deters these unwelcome guests.

Furthermore, embrace natural and safe pesticides such as neem oil or insecticidal soap, which can effectively manage pest populations without causing harm to beneficial insects. Applying beneficial nematodes to the soil is another environmentally friendly strategy that targets and eliminates grubs beneath the surface. Being proactive, not reactive, is your best line of defense.

Let’s address the fertilization schedule, which requires careful timing and precision to avoid over-fertilization. Excessive use of fertilizer can burn out your lawn, especially under the scorching sun, leading to yellowing or browning instead of the green vibrancy you desire. Start by understanding your grass species and its nutritional needs, since different grasses have varying requirements. A well-planned fertilization schedule should ideally occur twice in the summer—once in early summer to fortify the grass right before the peak heat and again in late summer to prepare the lawn for the fall.

Related: Avoid Property Damage: Solutions for Poor Drainage

Looking for Expert Help?

At Local Lawn Care & Landscaping, stationed right here in Plainfield, Illinois, we understand firsthand the interplay of local climate, soil conditions, and your lawn's health, fashioning plans that cater specifically to these elements. With a focus on sustainable practices and modern technology, we provide services that hone in on what really matters for your green spaces.

Our specialized fertilization and weed control packages are crafted to nurture and defend your lawn through robust, season-wise strategies. Summer can be unforgiving, but you don't have to face it unprepared. Our expert technicians calibrate their approach to blend precision with eco-friendly solutions, delivering comprehensive care that targets nutrient enrichment and pest deterrence in unison.

So, shield your lawn from weeds & bugs—act before it’s too late!

You are more than welcome to reach out to us with any questions or to learn more about our tailored options by calling us at (630) 338-5793 or emailing [email protected]. Our aim is to ensure your lawn stays majestic, a true reflection of care and consideration, meeting your needs and exceeding your expectations with each visit.