7 Tips for Summer Lawn Care in Houston | Best Lawn Care Practices

Houston summers are known for their sweltering heat, high humidity, and intense sun. For homeowners, keeping a lawn lush and green in such conditions can be challenging, but it’s certainly not impossible. With the right care, your lawn can thrive even in the hottest months. Here’s how you can beat the Houston heat and maintain a beautiful lawn all summer long.
​​

1. Optimal Watering Schedules

Proper watering is crucial during Houston’s summer months. Here’s how to get it right:

• Early Morning Watering: Water your lawn early in the morning, preferably between 5 a.m. and 7 a.m. This reduces evaporation, allowing the water to penetrate deeper into the soil, and gives your grass a chance to dry before the heat of the day, reducing the risk of fungal diseases.
• Deep and Infrequent Watering: Instead of watering daily, aim for deep watering sessions two to three times a week. This encourages deep root growth, making your lawn more drought-resistant. A good rule of thumb is to provide about 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week, depending on your grass type.
• Check Your Irrigation System: Make sure your sprinklers are working efficiently. Repair any leaks and adjust sprinkler heads to ensure even coverage, avoiding water waste and dry spots.

​​​

2. Mowing Techniques for Summer

Mowing might seem like a simple task, but during Houston’s hot summer, it’s essential to do it right:

• Mow High: Keep your grass a bit taller during the summer months. For most warm-season grasses like St. Augustine or Bermuda, aim to keep your lawn about 2.5 to 3 inches high. Taller grass shades the soil, reduces evaporation, and protects the roots from the sun’s intense heat.
• Sharpen Your Blades: Dull mower blades can tear grass, making it more susceptible to disease and stress. Ensure your mower blades are sharp to provide a clean cut.
• Don’t Over-Mow: Avoid cutting more than one-third of the grass blade length at a time. Over-mowing can stress the grass, especially during hot weather, and make it harder for your lawn to recover.

​​

3. Fertilization and Soil Health

Proper fertilization can help your lawn thrive during the summer heat:
​

• Use a Slow-Release Fertilizer: In the summer, opt for a slow-release fertilizer that provides a steady supply of nutrients without overwhelming your lawn. This helps prevent rapid growth, which can be stressful for grass during hot weather.
• Don’t Over-Fertilize: Too much fertilizer can burn your lawn, especially in the intense Houston heat. Follow the recommended application rates on the product label and consider splitting the application into two lighter feedings if needed.
• Consider Organic Options: Organic fertilizers release nutrients more slowly, which can be beneficial during the summer. They also improve soil health over time, making your lawn more resilient to heat and drought.

​​

4. Drought Stress In Your Lawn

​Even with the best care, your lawn may show signs of stress during extreme heat.
​

• Spot Watering: Keep an eye out for areas that start to wilt or turn brown. These spots may require extra watering. Use a hose to target these areas rather than increasing the watering schedule for the entire lawn.
• Aeration: Consider aerating your lawn in late summer. Aeration helps relieve compaction, allowing water, air, and nutrients to penetrate the soil more effectively.
• Shade Management: If possible, provide some shade for your lawn during the hottest parts of the day. Temporary shade structures or planting trees that cast light shade can help protect the grass from extreme heat.

​​​

5. Weed and Pest Control

​Weeds and pests can thrive in the summer, competing with your grass for nutrients and water.
​

• Apply Pre-Emergent Herbicides: If you haven’t already, applying pre-emergent herbicides in late spring can help prevent summer weeds like crabgrass from taking root.
• Spot Treat Weeds: Instead of broadcasting herbicides across your entire lawn, spot-treat weeds as they appear to minimize chemical use and protect the surrounding grass.
• Monitor for Pests: Summer is prime time for pests like chinch bugs, grubs, and sod webworms, which can damage your lawn. Keep an eye out for brown patches or thinning grass, and treat infestations promptly with appropriate insecticides.

​

6. Aeration and Dethatching

Compact soil and thatch buildup can prevent water, air, and nutrients from reaching the roots, particularly in the summer when your lawn needs them most.
​

• Aerate Your Lawn: Aeration helps relieve soil compaction and promotes better water absorption. The best time to aerate in Houston is during late spring or early summer when the grass is actively growing.
• Dethatch if Necessary: A thin layer of thatch (about ½ inch) can be beneficial, but too much can choke your lawn. If your lawn has excessive thatch, consider dethatching to improve its health and resilience during summer.

​​

7. Foot Traffic

Heavy foot traffic can compact the soil and stress your grass, especially when it’s already battling the heat.
​

• Rotate Activities: If you have kids or pets playing on the lawn, try to rotate their play areas to prevent any one spot from getting worn down.
• Create Pathways: For areas with constant traffic, consider installing stepping stones or pathways to protect the grass.

​​

---

Maintaining a lush, green lawn in Houston during the summer heat is entirely possible with the right care and attention. By following these best practices for watering, mowing, fertilization, and more, your lawn will stay healthy and vibrant, providing a cool, refreshing space for you and your family to enjoy all summer long. Remember, the key is consistency regular care will yield the best results in the long run.