What Should I Do to Help My Yard During a Dry Summer?

At Blade Cutters Landscaping, we know that Indiana summers can be brutal on even the most lush yards. The potential for drought conditions and hot, dry weather can leave your lawn looking brittle and brown, creating challenges for keeping it healthy and vibrant. But don’t worry—with some smart lawn care practices, you can help your yard not only survive but thrive, even during dry spells.

Here are a few essential tips to protect and maintain your yard during a dry summer:

• Water deeply but infrequently.
• Water early in the morning.
• Aerate the soil.

These simple but effective practices can help keep your yard green even when the rain dries up.

Water Deeply But Infrequently

Frequent, shallow watering may seem like a good idea, but it often prevents grass from developing strong, deep roots. Instead, prioritize watering your lawn deeply once or even twice a week. A good rule of thumb is to provide at least 1 inch of water per week. Use a rain gauge or place an empty container on your lawn to measure how much water your sprinkler delivers. Deep watering encourages moisture to penetrate the soil deeply, reaching the roots and promoting healthier, more resilient grass growth.

Water Early in the Morning

Timing can be everything when it comes to watering your lawn. The best time to water is early on in the morning, ideally between 4 a.m. and 10 a.m., when temperatures are cooler and the sun is less intense. This minimizes evaporation, ensuring that more water reaches the soil and the grass roots. Additionally, early watering allows the lawn to dry gradually as the day warms, reducing the risk of fungal diseases caused by prolonged moisture. Avoid watering during the midday heat, as much of the water will evaporate before it can soak into the soil. 

Aerate the Soil

Dry summer conditions and regular foot traffic can compact your soil, making it harder for water, air, and nutrients to reach the grass roots. Aeration improves the soil’s ability to absorb and retain moisture, ensuring your grass gets the hydration it needs to thrive. It involves using a tool to poke small holes in the soil, which helps break up compacted areas and allows your lawn to “breathe.” 

For best results, aerate your lawn in spring or early summer, preventing the soil from becoming too dry and hard later on. This gives your lawn the best chance to grow thick, healthy grass with deep roots that can withstand the summer heat. 

Keep Your Lawn Green and Healthy with Expert Help

By incorporating these simple steps into your lawn care routine, you can reduce the impact of dry weather on your lawn and put yourself in a better position for a quick recovery after the season ends.

But why stop there? For professional lawn care assistance that ensures long-term health and beauty, contact Blade Cutters Landscaping. With services like fertilization programs and regular maintenance for commercial properties, we’ll help your lawn stay healthy year-round—even through Indiana’s toughest summers.