The summer heat in Texas can be brutal, with temperatures often soaring over 100 degrees and high humidity making it even more uncomfortable. If you can’t stand to be outside during this weather, just imagine how your lawn feels! A healthy yard requires adequate hydration and reprieve from the scorching sun just as much as you do. Without proper care, the intense heat can quickly dehydrate the grass and roots, causing your lawn to go into shock or even die. It’s essential to keep your yard well-hydrated and protected during these hot months to maintain its health and beauty.

Lawns can suffer from dehydration in the soil and the sod, which can then cause the potentially-fatal disease called hydrophobia. This sickness of the soil causes the ground to repel water, eliminating its ability to attract and absorb moisture, which is needed for it to live. 

To keep your lawn green and thriving, consider following some simple lawn care tips below:

Tip #1: Don’t Just Focus on Summer—Practice Year-Round Lawn Care Techniques

To maintain a healthy, self-sufficient yard, it’s essential to practice proper lawn care techniques throughout the year, not just during the summer. Watering deeply but less frequently helps grass grow deep roots, making your lawn more resilient and needing less water overall. In contrast, daily watering can lead to shallow roots that dry out quickly. Aim for deep watering twice a week for a strong, healthy lawn in Texas.

If your lawn has been damaged by drought, proper watering is key to its recovery. Deep watering or using an irrigation system can help restore moisture to your grass. Be sure to check for any local watering restrictions, and consider consulting a Texas lawn care specialist for the best advice on reviving your lawn during or after a drought.

Tip #2: Wetting Agents and Spot Repairs

When soil becomes severely dehydrated, it loses its ability to re-absorb and retain water effectively, leading to a condition called hydrophobia. This issue can be managed and even cured with the use of wetting agents—affordable products that help soil retain water longer and distribute moisture more evenly.

If your lawn has only a few patches of drought damage, you can focus on spot repairs for those areas. Start by using a non-selective herbicide to remove dead or unwanted grass and weeds, being careful not to spray healthy parts of the lawn. After a few days, you can reseed the affected areas to help restore your lawn’s appearance.

Tip #3: Early Drought Prevention and Proper Fertilization

The best way to protect your lawn from drought damage is to prevent it before it starts. By keeping your lawn irrigated and fertilized before and after the driest parts of the year, you can strengthen it to withstand drought conditions. Regular maintenance is key to ensuring your lawn stays healthy, even during tough weather.

When it comes to fertilizing during the hot Texas summer, timing is crucial. The best way to combat drought damage is to prevent it in the first place. Keeping your lawn irrigated and fertilized before and after the driest parts of the year can help strengthen your lawn so that it can prevent damage from an incoming drought.

Tip #4: Right Amount of Watering and Mowing

When the forecast calls for a scorcher, it’s crucial to water your lawn deeply in the morning. Watering in the afternoon can lead to wasted water through evaporation and can even burn your grass, as water droplets act like mini magnifying glasses under the sun.

For mowing, remember the rule of thumb: never cut more than a third of the grass height at a time. Cutting too much can stunt your lawn’s growth and reduce its ability to retain water and absorb nutrients. Keep your grass around three inches tall, and mow more frequently to maintain this length, especially during dry seasons. This approach helps keep your lawn healthy and resilient in the Texas heat.

Tip #5: Recycle Clippings for a Healthier Lawn

After mowing, instead of discarding the clippings, evenly distribute them back onto your lawn. These clippings help retain moisture and return valuable nutrients to the soil, promoting a healthier and more resilient lawn. If your mower doesn’t automatically do this, make it a habit to spread them out yourself. This simple step can make a big difference, especially during dry periods.

Get Help from Lawn Specialists

Summer lawn care in Texas requires proper watering techniques and routine maintenance to keep your lawn healthy and beautiful, even through the driest days. Impact Landscapes is dedicated to providing landscaping and lawn care services to its clients in Lewisville, Texas, and the surrounding area. Make sure to give us a call today at 972-849-6443 to help get your lawn back to good health!
Whether your lawn has suffered from drought damage or not, it’s important to keep these tips in mind to help repair or prevent drought damage in the first place. Contact us at Impact Landscapes and ask how we can fix your lawn or keep it looking healthy!