Summer Lawn Survival Guide:10 Easy Tips to Keep Grass Green

Every summer, I hear the same thing from homeowners across New Zealand:
“My lawn was perfect in spring… now it looks tired, dry, and patchy.”

If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Summer heat, strong sun, and uneven watering can quickly turn healthy grass into a stressed mess. The good news? You don’t need expensive gear or complex routines to keep your lawn green.

In this guide, I’ll share 10 easy, practical lawn care tips that actually work in summer. These are the same methods many professionals use—and the same ones I recommend to homeowners who want a neat lawn without spending every weekend working on it.

By the end, you’ll know exactly how to help your grass survive summer and come out strong.
 

1. Water Smart, Not More Often
 

One of the biggest mistakes people make in summer is watering too often but too lightly.

Grass roots need deep moisture, not surface sprinkles.
 

What works best:

• Water early in the morning (before 9 am)
• Water 2–3 times a week, not every day
• Aim for deep soaking, not quick sprays

Personal tip:
If your lawn still looks dry after daily watering, it’s usually because the water isn’t reaching the roots. A longer soak twice a week works far better than daily splashes.
 

2. Raise the Mower Height (This One Matters)
 

Short grass may look tidy, but in summer it causes more harm than good.

When grass is cut too low:

• Soil dries faster
• Roots weaken
• Weeds appear more easily
   

Best practice:

• Keep grass slightly longer during summer
• Never cut more than one-third of the blade height at once

I’ve seen lawns recover in just two weeks simply by raising the mower height. It’s one of the fastest fixes you can make.

 

3. Mow Less Often During Heatwaves

 

When temperatures rise, grass growth slows down. Cutting it too often adds stress.

What to do:

• Reduce mowing during extreme heat
• Skip mowing if the lawn looks dry or dull
• Always mow when grass is dry, not wet

Real example:
One client in Auckland kept mowing weekly during a heatwave. The lawn turned yellow fast. After switching to mowing every 10–14 days, the grass bounced back.

 

4. Feed Your Lawn the Right Way in Summer

 

Summer feeding is helpful—but only if done correctly.

Heavy fertilisers can burn grass when temperatures are high.
 

Smart feeding tips:

• Use slow-release or light summer fertiliser
• Avoid feeding during very hot days
• Water after feeding to protect roots

If you’re unsure, it’s better to feed lightly than overdo it. Healthy grass grows steadily, not suddenly.
 

5. Leave Grass Clippings on the Lawn
 

Bagging clippings in summer removes natural protection.

Grass clippings:

• Hold moisture in the soil
• Return nutrients to the lawn
• Reduce evaporation

This method, often called mulching, is simple and effective.

From experience:
Homeowners who stop bagging clippings often notice greener lawns within weeks, especially during dry spells.

 

6. Watch for Dry Patches and Fix Them Early

 

Dry patches don’t always mean lack of water. Sometimes, soil becomes compacted and repels moisture.
 

Signs to look for:

• Water pooling on the surface
• Small brown circles
• Grass staying dry even after watering
   

Simple fix:

• Lightly spike or aerate affected areas
• Water slowly so moisture can soak in

Fixing small issues early prevents large dead patches later.

 

7. Keep Weeds Under Control Before They Spread
 

Summer weeds grow fast and compete for water.
 

Easy weed control:

• Pull weeds early, before they seed
• Spot-treat problem areas only
• Keep grass thick so weeds struggle to grow

A thick, healthy lawn is the best defence against weeds—no harsh chemicals needed.
 

8. Don’t Ignore Lawn Edges and Corners
 

Edges dry out faster than the centre of your lawn.

Paths, driveways, and fences reflect heat, which stresses grass.
 

What helps:

• Give edges extra water
• Avoid scalping edges while mowing
• Trim gently rather than cutting too low

This small detail makes a big visual difference.

 

9. Reduce Foot Traffic During Hot Days

 

Grass doesn’t like pressure when it’s stressed.
 

Try this:

• Avoid heavy foot traffic during peak heat
• Rotate play areas if kids or pets use the lawn
• Let grass rest after mowing or feeding

Even strong lawns need recovery time in summer.

 

10. Know When to Get Professional Help

 

Sometimes, lawns need more than basic care.

If your lawn:

• Stays brown despite watering
• Has ongoing weed or pest issues
• Looks uneven or compacted

It may be time for expert care.

Many homeowners choose professional help from trusted local services like Lawnmasters to keep their lawns healthy year-round without the stress.

Why Many Homeowners Trust Lawn Masters for Summer Lawn Care

 

Keeping a lawn green during summer takes more than basic watering and mowing. That’s where Lawn Masters makes a real difference. Their team understands New Zealand’s summer conditions and knows how heat, soil, and grass types behave across different areas. From correct mowing height and proper watering plans to seasonal feeding and weed control, they focus on what your lawn actually needs. Many homeowners choose lawnmasters because it saves time, avoids costly mistakes, and keeps lawns healthy even during the hottest months—without stress or guesswork.
 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

 

1. How often should I water my lawn in summer?

Water deeply 2–3 times per week, preferably early in the morning. Avoid daily shallow watering.

 

2. Is it okay to mow during very hot weather?

It’s better to mow less often during heatwaves and raise the mower height to protect the grass.

 

3. Should I fertilize my lawn in summer?

Yes, but lightly. Use a slow-release fertilizer and avoid feeding on very hot days.

 

4. Why does my lawn turn brown even after watering?

This can happen due to compacted soil, shallow roots, or poor watering timing. Deep watering usually helps.

 

5. When should I consider professional lawn care?

If your lawn stays patchy, dry, or weedy despite regular care, professional help can save time and improve results.
 

Conclusion: A Green Lawn Is Easier Than You Think
 

Summer lawn care doesn’t have to be hard. With the right habits—smart watering, higher mowing, light feeding, and early problem checks—you can keep your grass green even during hot months.

I’ve seen lawns across New Zealand recover simply by changing a few routines. Small adjustments make a big difference.

If you’d rather spend your weekends relaxing instead of worrying about lawn care, the team at Lawnmasters can help keep your lawn healthy, tidy, and summer-ready.