Summer is a time for backyard barbecues, outdoor games, and enjoying the lush green beauty of your lawn. But the heat, drought, and increased foot traffic can take a toll on your turf. With the right summer lawn care routine, you can keep your lawn thick, green, and healthy all season long.
Essential Summer Lawn Care Tips
1. Water Wisely
Deep, infrequent watering is key to promoting deep root growth. Aim to water your lawn early in the morning, before the heat of the day, to minimize evaporation. Lawns typically need about an inch of water per week, including rainfall.
2. Mow High and Often
Set your mower blades higher during the summer months—around 3 to 4 inches—to help shade the soil and retain moisture. Avoid cutting more than one-third of the grass height at a time to reduce stress on your lawn.
3. Feed with Earl May Midwest Select Summer Lawn Food
To maintain a vibrant, resilient lawn, feed it with Earl May Midwest Select Summer Lawn Food. This exclusive formula was developed specifically for the soil conditions prevalent in the Upper Midwest.
- Premium 12-0-12 timed-release fertilizer delivers nutrients gradually, ensuring steady growth without excessive top growth.
- Iron and sulfur provide an extra-deep green color without promoting rapid shoot growth.
- Phosphorus-free formula is safe for use around lakes and public waterways.
- Extra potassium strengthens the lawn’s resistance to disease and drought stress.
- Will not burn your lawn when applied correctly, even in the high summer heat.
- Used by golf courses the type of iron used in this product is also used by pro golf courses for quick green-up before tournaments.
This fertilizer starts working in just a few days and continues feeding for up to three months. As part of Earl May’s 6-Step Lawn Care Program, it ensures your lawn remains thick and healthy, which is the best defense against weeds.
Caution: This product contains iron, which will stain concrete surfaces when wet. Always sweep or blow off sidewalks, decks, and driveways immediately after application.
4. Use Milorganite for Additional Lawn Health Benefits
A Wisconsin based product, Milorganite is another excellent option for summer lawn care. This organic-based nitrogen fertilizer slowly releases nutrients, providing a steady feeding without the risk of burning your lawn. Milorganite also boosts microbial activity which improves soil structure, enhances root growth, and reduces the need for watering by improving moisture retention.5. Keep Weeds and Pests in Check
A thick, well-fed lawn is the best defense against weeds, but some stubborn varieties may still appear. Spot-treat weeds with Super Brush and Weed Killer RTU for safe summer application. Additionally, watch for common summer pests like moths flying in your lawn when you walk through it which is a sign of insect activity, causing damage to your turf near the soil line leaving dead patches. Use Earl May Super Eight Insect Control which eradicates turf damaging insects plus ants, fleas, ticks, crickets and more!
6. Reduce Foot Traffic and Soil Compaction
Heavy foot traffic can compact the soil, making it harder for roots to absorb nutrients and water and causes noticeable thin spots in your lawn which won’t fill in even after watering and feeding. Use Earth Right Super Stuff as needed in the spring and fall to relieve compaction and improve air and water movement through the soil which will increase root development and alleviate thin spots.
7. Avoid Fertilizing During Drought Conditions
If your lawn is experiencing drought stress and turning brown, hold off on fertilizing until conditions improve or you can water your lawn. Applying fertilizer to a totally dormant lawn is not recommended.
Keep Your Lawn Green & Healthy All Summer Long
With the right summer lawn care strategy, you can keep your lawn looking its best despite the heat. Water properly, mow at the correct height, and feed with Earl May Midwest Select Summer Lawn Food for a lush, green, and resilient turf. For additional support, incorporate a supplemental application of Milorganite into your lawn care routine to further enhance soil health and moisture retention.
Need expert advice? Visit your nearest Earl May Garden Center for personalized lawn care recommendations and products designed specifically for Midwest lawns.
Learn more about Milorganite by watching this video.