A lush, green lawn is a beautiful sight in summer, but keeping grass healthy as temperatures rise can feel like an uphill battle. Factor in concerns about water usage, and it’s tempting to think that maintaining a vibrant lawn isn’t worth the hassle. But don’t throw in the trowel just yet! With the right strategies, you can achieve a beautiful lawn while being mindful of water conservation.
At J&J Nursery and Garden Center here in Layton, Utah, we know the unique challenges our climate can bring when it comes to lawn care. If you’ve been wondering how to keep your grass green in the summer without wasting precious water, we’ve got tips that balance beauty and sustainability.
1. Water Smarter, Not Harder
It’s not about how much you water—it’s about when and how. Timing is crucial. Water your lawn early in the morning, ideally between 5 a.m. and 9 a.m., when temperatures are cooler and evaporation is minimal.
Additionally, aim for deep, infrequent watering. A common mistake is short, daily watering, which encourages shallow roots. Instead, water deeply 2-3 times per week to promote strong root growth. About 1–1.5 inches of water per week, including rainfall, is usually sufficient for most grass types.
Bonus Tip:
Place a small container, like a tuna can, on your lawn while watering to measure how much water your sprinklers deliver in a session. This ensures accuracy and avoids overwatering.
2. Adjust Your Mower Height
Grass that’s mowed too short struggles in the hot summer sun. Set your mower blade to a higher setting to leave your grass around 3–4 inches tall. The extra blade length helps shade the soil, reducing water evaporation and giving roots extra protection from heat stress.
Not sure how to adjust your mower? Our experts at J&J Nursery and Garden Center are happy to help you choose the best settings and provide tips on maintaining your equipment for optimum performance.
3. Fertilize Wisely
Fertilizer is essential for healthy grass, but excess fertilizer in summer heat can overstimulate growth, which increases the lawn’s water requirements. Instead of over-fertilizing, opt for a slow-release fertilizer or apply fertilizer early in the season to prepare your grass for summer.
Choose a fertilizer suited to your lawn’s needs, and feel free to ask our staff for guidance on products that work best in Utah’s climate.
4. Aerate Your Lawn
Compacted soil often prevents water from reaching your grass’s roots effectively. Aerating your lawn helps loosen the soil, allowing better air and water circulation. This process makes it easier for roots to take in the water they need, even during the hottest days of the year.
If you’ve never aerated your lawn, tools like aerators can be rented, or you can hire a professional. Doing this once annually, ideally in the spring, sets your lawn up for success all summer long.
5. Opt for Mulching
If you’ve been bagging your grass clippings when mowing, consider switching to mulching instead. Mulched clippings return essential nutrients and moisture to the soil, reducing the need for supplemental watering.
A mulching mower makes this process easy, but you can also ask about affordable add-ons for your existing mower at J&J Nursery and Garden Center.
6. Focus on Soil Health
Healthy grass starts with healthy soil. Test your soil’s pH levels to ensure it’s balanced and amend it as needed to support a thriving lawn. Use compost or organic matter to encourage moisture retention and enrich the soil with vital nutrients.
We offer soil testing kits at our Layton location and can provide guidance on improving soil quality for long-term green, lush lawns.
7. Consider Drought-Resistant Grass
If you’re looking to reduce summer water usage over the long term, consider planting drought-tolerant grass varieties. Kentucky bluegrass, tall fescue, and fine fescue are popular options for Utah lawns that can thrive with less water.
Not sure which variety is best for you? Stop by J&J Nursery and Garden Center, and our team will help you select grass seeds or sod suited to your lawn’s needs.
8. Catch and Store Rainwater
Rainwater is a free, environmentally friendly resource that your lawn will love. Using rain barrels to collect water can reduce your reliance on sprinklers, especially during rain-heavy weeks. It’s an easy way to make the most of Utah’s unpredictable summer storms.
A Greener Lawn—Naturally
Keeping your grass green in summer heat without wasting water doesn’t have to be complicated. Follow these tips to achieve a healthy, vibrant lawn while staying water-conscious. Small changes like adjusting your watering schedule, maintaining your soil, and mowing higher can deliver big results.
If you’d like tailored advice or need lawn care supplies, stop by J&J Nursery and Garden Center in Layton. Our team is always ready to support you with tips, tools, and products that help you cultivate the lawn of your dreams—without draining the planet’s resources. Contact us today and see the difference our expertise can make for your lawn!
