How to Help Your Grass Survive Summer Heat Stress

Summer can be particularly tough on lawns, especially in places like Iowa, where cool-season grasses are common. These grasses require extra care and attention during the hot months to survive the stress caused by high temperatures. If you notice signs of heat stress, such as discoloration, don’t worry—there are steps you can take to help your lawn recover. By sticking to a proper watering schedule and using fertilizer and weed control treatments, you can help your grass overcome summer heat stress.

How Does Summer Affect Cool-Season Grass?

Cool-season grasses thrive in the cooler temperatures of spring and fall. However, summer heat can be challenging for them, often leading to stress. Without proper care, your lawn may go dormant during the hottest months, so it’s important to give it the extra support it needs to survive.

What Are the Signs of Summer Heat Stress?

The first sign of heat stress in your lawn is usually a change in color. Your grass may start to turn a bluish-green shade before the edges of the blades begin to brown. As the stress worsens, entire sections of your lawn can turn brown and wither. It’s important to note that discoloration can also be caused by lawn diseases and pests, so be sure to check for other signs.

Another indicator of heat stress is how your grass responds to foot traffic. Normally, grass will spring back up shortly after being walked on. However, if your grass is stressed, it will remain flattened where you stepped, leaving footprints visible for an extended period.

How Can You Reverse Summer Heat Stress?

To help your lawn recover from heat stress, it’s essential to establish a consistent watering schedule. In Iowa, your lawn will need between 1 to 1 ½ inches of water per week. It’s best to water your lawn every three to four days, preferably in the early morning, to minimize water evaporation. The goal is to ensure that water reaches the roots of your grass. Avoid frequent, light watering, as this promotes shallow rooting and reduces your lawn’s tolerance to heat stress. If you have an irrigation system, set it to water at optimal times to keep your turf properly hydrated.

In addition to proper watering, scheduling lawn care services like fertilizer and weed control treatments can help reverse heat stress. Lawn fertilizer provides your grass with essential nutrients, while weed control eliminates unwanted plants that compete for those nutrients. By boosting your lawn’s nutrient levels and removing competition, your grass will recover more quickly from summer heat stress.