Your lawn is more than just a patch of green—it’s a living system that needs regular care to thrive, especially during dry spells. When the heat turns up and the rain disappears, homeowners often wonder whether they should let the grass grow tall or continue with regular maintenance. The answer? Keep mowing and don’t skimp on watering. Here’s why.
1. Mowing Helps Suppress Weeds
One of the simplest ways to reduce weed pressure is to maintain a consistent mowing schedule. When grass is cut at the correct height, it shades the soil surface, which limits the amount of sunlight that reaches weed seeds. That means fewer weeds sprouting and less competition for your turfgrass. On the other hand, letting your lawn grow too tall and then cutting it all at once stresses the grass and gives weeds an opportunity to thrive.
2. Watering Encourages Deep Root Growth
Water is critical during hot, dry periods—not just to keep your lawn green, but to develop strong roots. When you water deeply and less frequently, grass roots are encouraged to grow deeper into the soil in search of moisture. Deep roots make your lawn more resilient against drought, pests, and disease. Shallow watering (or not watering at all) leads to shallow roots, which dry out faster and can’t withstand stress.
3. Grass Needs Support to Survive Heat
During a drought, grass goes into survival mode. Some varieties will enter dormancy and turn brown. While this is natural, it can weaken the turf over time—especially if it’s compounded by foot traffic, mowing too short, or weed competition. Giving your lawn just 1 inch of water per week (including rainfall) during a dry period can help maintain enough vigor to prevent long-term damage.
4. A Healthy Lawn Saves You Time and Money Later
When you neglect your lawn during a dry spell, it doesn’t just bounce back with the next rain. Thin, stressed grass allows weeds to move in, increases soil compaction, and opens the door to fungal issues. Once the damage is done, it often requires reseeding, herbicides, or even sod replacement—all of which are costly and time-consuming. Staying consistent with mowing and watering is the easiest way to protect your investment.
Final Tips:
- Keep mower blades sharp and avoid cutting more than 1/3 of the grass height at a time.
- Water early in the morning to reduce evaporation.
- Focus on deep, infrequent watering rather than daily sprinkling.
- Raise your mower height during summer to shade the soil and retain moisture.
Your lawn is only as strong as the care you give it. Stay consistent—even when it’s hot—and your grass will reward you with durability, beauty, and fewer headaches down the road.