Though we’re known for our frigid winters, July in Minnesota can be a scorcher – and your lawn feels it too! As the sun beats down and rainfall slows, it’s easy for that lush green grass to turn patchy, brown, and brittle. This month, Northern Roots Lawn Care is bringing you a few expert strategies, so you can keep your lawn healthy, hydrated, and vibrant all summer long. Here’s how to keep your lawn green and thriving through the hottest month of the year.
Water Smart, Not More
Optimize Your Watering Schedule
Instead of watering every day, aim for deep, infrequent watering 2–3 times per week. This encourages your grass to grow deep roots, which helps it stay strong during dry spells.
Best time to water? Early morning—between 4 a.m. and 9 a.m.. Watering at this time allows moisture to soak in before the sun evaporates it and avoids fungal growth that can occur with overnight watering.
Use the One-Inch Rule
A healthy lawn needs about one inch of water per week, including rainfall. Use a rain gauge or a tuna can to measure how much your sprinkler system delivers during each session.
Mow High and Often
Set Your Mower Blade Higher
In summer, raise your mower blade to 3.5 to 4 inches. Taller grass shades the soil, reducing evaporation and keeping roots cooler and more resilient.
Don’t Cut Too Close
Cutting too short stresses your turf and makes it more susceptible to heat and weeds. Never remove more than one-third of the grass blade in a single mowing.
Build Drought Resistance Naturally
Feed Your Lawn the Right Way
A light summer fertilizer – ideally one that’s slow-release and nitrogen-rich – can help support growth without overfeeding. Avoid heavy applications in extreme heat, which can burn your grass.
Let the Clippings Stay
Leave your grass clippings on the lawn to act as natural mulch. This helps lock in moisture, return nutrients to the soil, and reduce heat stress.
Know the Signs of Heat Stress
Even with great lawn care, heat stress can happen. Watch for:
- Wilting or folding blades
- A bluish-gray tint to your turf
- Footprints that linger (your lawn doesn’t spring back)
If you notice these symptoms, it’s time to increase watering frequency or duration slightly.
Aerate in the Fall, Prepare in the Summer
While aeration is best done in fall or spring, preparing for it during summer sets you up for long-term success. Compacted soil worsens heat stress, so summer is a great time to plan aeration and overseeding to boost your lawn’s resilience.
Trust Northern Roots Lawn Care to Keep Your Lawn Green
At Northern Roots Lawn Care, we know Minnesota’s summers can be rough on your lawn – but they don’t have to be! Our team offers seasonal lawn care services designed to handle the heat and keep your yard looking its best all year long. Let us help you grow a lawn you can be proud of – no matter the forecast. Contact us today for a free quote or to schedule your lawn care services.