How to Maintain a Healthy Lawn During Hot and Humid Midwest Summers
Midwest summers bring their own unique set of challenges-soaring temperatures, excessive humidity, and sporadic rainfall can wreak havoc on even the most carefully maintained lawns. But with the right strategies in place, you can help your yard stay green, vibrant, and resilient throughout the season. Below, we'll walk you through practical tips to make sure your lawn care efforts don't go to waste when the Midwest heat is in full swing.
Water Wisely (But Not Too Much)
When it comes to summer lawn care, more water isn't always better. Overwatering can lead to fungal issues, especially in humid climates like Lee's Summit. Aim to water deeply but infrequently-preferably early in the morning before the sun reaches its peak. This allows water to reach the root zone while minimizing evaporation and reducing the risk of disease. A good rule of thumb is to provide your lawn with about one inch of water per week, whether from rain or irrigation.
Mow for Resilience
During hot and humid weather, it's best to mow high and mow often. Taller grass shades the soil, reduces evaporation, and encourages deeper root growth. Keep your mower blades sharp to avoid tearing the grass, which can invite disease. Also, avoid cutting more than one-third of the grass blade at a time-scalping the lawn stresses the turf and leaves it vulnerable to heat and pests.
Feed Your Lawn Carefully
Fertilizing in the summer can be tricky. Applying the wrong type-or too much-fertilizer during extreme heat can burn your lawn. If your grass is cool-season (like Kentucky bluegrass or fescue), it's best to hold off on heavy feeding until fall. Warm-season grasses like zoysia or Bermuda may benefit from a light summer application. For the best results, choose a slow-release fertilizer and always follow the label's recommendations.
Stay on Top of Seasonal Cleanup
Keeping your lawn free of debris is more important than ever during the summer months. Leaves, sticks, grass clippings, and other clutter can trap moisture and heat at the soil's surface, creating the perfect breeding ground for fungi and pests. Regular seasonal cleanup helps promote air circulation, reduce disease pressure, and improve overall lawn health.
Control Weeds and Pests Proactively
Hot and humid conditions are ideal for weeds and pests to thrive. Stay vigilant with your weed control strategy by hand-pulling or spot-treating problem areas. Monitor for signs of grubs, chinch bugs, and fungal diseases, especially after extended periods of rain. Integrated pest management can help you deal with issues early without over relying on chemicals.
Trust Local Experts Who Know Lee's Summit Lawns
Midwest turf is as tough as it is beautiful-but it still needs regular care, thoughtful watering, and diligent cleanup to stay healthy all summer long. Whether you need help with mowing, watering schedules, pest control, or seasonal cleanup, our team at Choice Lawns LLC is here to provide expert lawn care tailored to the specific needs of Lee's Summit yards. Contact Choice Lawns LLC today for dependable, professional Lee's Summit lawn care services that will keep your yard looking its best.
Need Lawn Care or Landscaping In Lee’s Summit? Let’s Choice Lawns Be Your First Choice!