Summer can be the most challenging season for your lawn. Hot weather, inconsistent rain, pests, and foot traffic all put your grass to the test. But with the right strategy, you can keep your lawn green, thick, and healthy through even the hottest stretch of the year.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a first-time lawn care DIYer, this guide walks you through what to do—and when—to keep your lawn thriving, naturally.
If you're a Lawnbright subscriber, you're already ahead of the game. Our personalized lawn care plans are tailored to your yard’s soil, region, and needs—so you get the right products at the right time. And if you’re not a subscriber (yet!), our Summer Lawn Essentials Collection has everything you need to protect your lawn from heat, pests, and stress.
Summer Lawn Care by Month
June: Set the Foundation
June kicks off summer lawn care season. Temperatures start to rise, weeds are on the move, and your lawn begins showing signs of stress. What you do now sets the stage for a resilient lawn through August and beyond.
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Set mower height to 3–4 inches to shade the soil and promote deeper roots.
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Follow the ⅓ rule: Never remove more than a third of the grass blade at once.
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Grasscycle by leaving clippings on the lawn for natural nitrogen.
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Water deeply but infrequently: about 1 inch per week, including rainfall.
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Water early in the morning to reduce evaporation and prevent disease.
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Avoid shallow, daily watering—it weakens roots and wastes water.
Fertilize Thoughtfully
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Apply Lawnbright’s Heat Defense Pack—a slow-release, organic blend that supports your lawn during rising temperatures.
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This is the perfect time to give your grass the nutrients it needs to resist stress and maintain color.
Pest Prevention Starts Now
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Apply Yard Patrol to naturally protect your yard from ticks and mosquitoes.
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Begin grub control before larvae take hold—our natural Grub Control is an effective formula that is safe for families and pollinators.
July: Maintain and Monitor
July brings the peak of summer stress. Stay consistent with your routine while watching for signs of drought, compaction, and pests.
Keep Mowing High
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Continue mowing at 3–4 inches. Taller grass helps insulate the soil and reduce water loss.
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Mow often enough to avoid cutting more than ⅓ at once—about once per week for most cool-season grasses.
Stay on Top of Watering
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Watch for drought stress: bluish-gray grass, wilted blades, or footprints that don’t bounce back are signs your lawn needs water.
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Don’t overwater—1 inch/week is still the sweet spot.
Apply Summer Nutrients (if needed)
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If you're a Lawnbright subscriber, your second summer application is likely arriving now.
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These nutrients support strong roots, disease resistance, and recovery during heat waves.
Pest Control Continues
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Reapply Yard Patrol as needed (especially after heavy rain).
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Continue monitoring for grub damage (dead patches that lift like a carpet) and treat early if needed.
August: Prep for Recovery
By August, even the best-cared-for lawns may be looking tired. That’s normal. Now’s the time to lay the groundwork for fall recovery while addressing any compacted or stressed areas.
Aerate (If Needed)
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Summer traffic can lead to compaction, which prevents air, water, and nutrients from reaching roots.
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Use Lawnbright’s AeroFlow Liquid Aeration to loosen soil naturally and boost root health—no equipment rental required.
Spot Treat Trouble Areas
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Resist the urge to reseed now—fall is a better time.
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Instead, patch bare spots with Lawnbright’s nutrient treatments or top-dress with compost to prepare the soil for later seeding.
Plan Ahead for Fall
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Pick up a Fall Fortify Pack now so you’re ready to go when temperatures drop.
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Fall is the ideal time to reseed, fertilize, and address any damage from summer.
Common Summer Lawn Problems & Quick Fixes
Brown, crunchy grass?
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It’s likely dormant due to heat, not dead. Keep watering 1 inch/week and avoid fertilizing during heat waves. Your lawn will recover once temps drop.
Weeds taking over?
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Pull them by hand when possible and mow before they go to seed. A healthy, dense lawn is your best defense. Save reseeding for early fall.
Thin or compacted areas?
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Use liquid aeration in August and top-dress with compost. Then plan to overseed in September for fuller growth.
Natural Products for Summer Lawn Success
Everything you need to get through summer—without harsh chemicals—is in our Summer Lawn Essentials Collection. It’s a curated lineup of:
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Organic grub control
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Tick and mosquito spray (cedar oil-based)
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Heat defense nutrients
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Liquid aeration for compacted soil
These are the same high-performance, natural products we include in our subscription plans—so even if you’re not a subscriber, you can still take care of your lawn like a pro.