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Summer Lawn Care Guide: How Long to Water Grass

Written by Clare Ottenbreit | Dec 18, 2025 8:22:58 AM

A vibrant, green lawn is the pride of any homeowner, but summer heat can challenge even the most dedicated lawn enthusiasts. In Calgary, Edmonton, Red Deer, and Saskatoon, summers can bring intense sun and dry conditions that stress grass, leading to brown patches, thinning turf, or invasive weeds. 

Understanding how to properly care for your lawn during this season is essential, not just for immediate beauty but for long-term health. Keep the right watering schedule, strategic treatments, and attention to soil health and make your lawn thriving through the hottest months.

Why Summer Lawn Care Matters

Many homeowners underestimate the impact of summer stress on their grass. Heat, combined with infrequent watering or high foot traffic, can weaken roots and create opportunities for weeds to take over. The good news is that a proactive lawn care plan can prevent these issues. Focus on proper hydration, nutrient management, and soil aeration and ensure your lawn stays lush, healthy, and resistant to pests.

Lawn care experts recommend preparing now for the fall season as well. Implementing summer practices not only preserves your grass during hot months but also lays the groundwork for effective fall lawn care. These steps directly influence how well your lawn recovers and thrives in cooler temperatures, making it easier to follow your fall lawn care tips.

How Long Should You Water Your Lawn?

Watering is often the most misunderstood aspect of summer lawn maintenance. Overwatering can be as harmful as under-watering, leading to shallow roots and increased weed problems. Here’s a detailed guide:

  • Optimal Timing: Water your lawn in the early morning, ideally between 5:30 a.m. and 9 a.m. This reduces evaporation and allows grass blades to dry before evening, minimizing the risk of fungal diseases.
  • Duration and Depth: Your lawn generally needs about 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week, including rainfall. Deep, infrequent watering encourages roots to grow downward, making grass more resilient to heat stress.
  • Monitoring: A simple method is to use a rain gauge or place a small container like a tuna can on your lawn while watering to measure how much water your sprinkler delivers.

Proper hydration protects grass from summer stress and supports stronger growth during fall. Lawns that are watered correctly are less prone to weeds and pests, including chinch bugs.

Strategies to Reduce Lawn Stress

Watering is only one part of summer lawn care. Other measures can prevent stress and promote lush growth.

1. Fertilization and Nutrient Management

Feeding your lawn in summer helps maintain strong growth without overwhelming it. Using slow-release fertilizers ensures nutrients are delivered gradually, reducing the risk of scorching the grass. Additional treatments such as Super Juice or Sea Kelp can enhance soil health and resilience, improving the lawn’s ability to withstand heat.

2. Aeration and Soil Health

Compacted soil is a major contributor to stressed lawns. Mechanical aeration or liquid aeration allows water, nutrients, and oxygen to reach the roots more effectively. Regular aeration can also improve the efficiency of fertilizer and weed treatments, setting the stage for a successful fall lawn care season.

3. Weed Prevention

Summer heat often triggers weed growth. Lawns weakened by stress become prime targets for dandelions, crabgrass, and other invaders. At Yard Dawgs, we provide consistent weed control with a weed-free guarantee. If weeds appear between treatments, our team performs a free re-spray, ensuring your lawn remains healthy and visually appealing.

4. Overseeding and Slit-Seeding

For thinning or patchy lawns, slit-seeding introduces new grass seeds directly into the soil, helping repair damage while preserving existing turf. This technique promotes dense, healthy growth that resists weeds and recovers faster in both summer and fall months.

Maintaining Lawn Health Under Summer Stress

Even with proper watering and treatment, summer heat can cause stress. Here’s how to maintain your lawn throughout the season:

  • Mowing Practices. Keep your grass slightly taller, around 3–4 inches, to provide shade to the soil, retain moisture, and limit weed growth. Always use a sharp mower blade to avoid tearing grass.
  • Traffic Management. Rotate high-traffic activities and use pathways to prevent soil compaction.
  • Observation. Monitor for signs of stress, such as yellowing or wilting. Early detection allows you to adjust watering, fertilization, or aeration schedules before problems worsen.

Preparing for Fall Lawn Care

Summer lawn care generally involves preparing your lawn for fall. Healthy summer practices make fall lawn care tips like aeration, fertilization, and overseeding more effective. By reducing stress and maintaining strong roots during summer, your lawn will respond better to treatments designed to thicken grass, prevent weeds, and promote recovery before the first frost.

Why Choose Yard Dawgs for Summer Lawn Care

Yard Dawgs is committed to providing consistent, high-quality lawn care across Calgary, Edmonton, Red Deer, and Saskatoon. With over 4,000 happy customers, we guarantee your lawn will look its best, or we’ll make it right. Our services include:

When you work with us, a dedicated lawn care team knows your property and provides personalized attention. Our continuous service model ensures your lawn receives consistent care throughout the season, and our success team is always available to address questions or adjust your plan.

By following these strategies, your lawn will not only survive the summer heat but also thrive, giving you a green, lush yard that’s ready for fall. Implementing these tips ensures your grass remains healthy, stress-free, and beautifully maintained all year long.