How to Keep Your Lawn Green Through the Heat of Summer

Summer in Southern Idaho can be tough on lawns. Between high temperatures, dry air, and long sunny days, even a healthy lawn can start to show signs of stress. The good news is that with a few simple adjustments, you can help your lawn stay greener and healthier throughout the hottest months of the year.

Water Deeply, Not Daily

One of the most common mistakes homeowners make is watering lightly every day. Frequent shallow watering encourages roots to stay near the surface where soil dries out quickly.

Instead, water deeply and less often. Deep watering encourages roots to grow further into the soil where moisture lasts longer. A lawn with deeper roots will be more resilient during periods of extreme heat.

As a general rule, most established lawns need about 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week, including rainfall.

Water Early in the Morning

The best time to water your lawn is between 4:00 AM and 9:00 AM.

Watering during the cooler morning hours allows moisture to soak into the soil before the sun evaporates it. Evening watering can leave grass wet overnight, increasing the risk of disease and fungus.

If you notice water running down the street or pooling in low spots, your sprinkler system may need adjustments.

Raise Your Mowing Height

Many homeowners mow too short during the summer.

Taller grass provides several benefits:

• Shades the soil and reduces moisture loss

• Encourages deeper root growth

• Helps prevent weed germination

• Protects the lawn from heat stress

During the hottest part of summer, keep your mower blade set higher than you would in spring.

Keep Mower Blades Sharp

Dull mower blades tear grass rather than cutting it cleanly. Torn grass tips turn brown and make the lawn appear unhealthy, even when it is receiving adequate water.

Sharp blades create a cleaner cut and reduce stress on the turf.

Watch for Signs of Heat Stress

Heat-stressed lawns often show symptoms before permanent damage occurs.

Look for:

• Blue-gray discoloration

• Footprints that remain visible after walking across the lawn

• Wilting or folded grass blades

• Dry or brown patches

If you notice these signs, your lawn may need additional watering or an irrigation system inspection.

Check Your Sprinkler System Regularly

A single clogged nozzle, broken sprinkler head, or incorrect timer setting can leave portions of your lawn without enough water.

During summer, we recommend checking your sprinkler system regularly for:

• Broken or leaking heads

• Clogged nozzles

• Poor coverage

• Incorrect run times

• Low water pressure

Many brown spots are caused by irrigation issues rather than a lack of water.

Fertilize at the Right Time

Proper fertilization helps maintain healthy color and growth throughout the season.

Applying the right fertilizer at the correct rate provides nutrients that support root development and overall turf health. However, excessive fertilizer during extreme heat can place additional stress on the lawn.

A professionally managed fertilizer program can help keep your lawn healthy without overfeeding it.

Control Weeds Before They Take Over

Weeds compete with your lawn for water and nutrients. During summer, weeds can quickly become established in thin or stressed areas.

Regular weed control helps your grass use available moisture more efficiently and improves the overall appearance of your property.

Don't Panic Over Dormancy

Sometimes grass naturally slows its growth during periods of intense heat. This is a protective response and doesn't necessarily mean your lawn is dying.

As temperatures moderate and watering remains consistent, most healthy lawns will recover and green up again.

Need Help Keeping Your Lawn Green?

At One Call Property Solutions, we help homeowners throughout Twin Falls, Filer, Kimberly, Buhl, Jerome, and surrounding communities keep their lawns healthy all season long. From sprinkler repairs and irrigation inspections to fertilizer and weed control programs, our team can help your lawn thrive even during the hottest part of summer.

Contact us today to schedule a sprinkler system inspection or learn more about our lawn care services. A healthy, green lawn starts with the right maintenance plan.