As May arrives, warmer days are on the horizon — and so are the dreaded heatwaves. For homeowners who love a green, healthy yard, proactive lawn care for hot weather is the secret to success. The shift from cool spring mornings to dry, sunny afternoons can place your lawn under significant stress. If you’re not prepared, your once-vibrant grass could turn yellow, dry, and patchy before summer even starts.
Fortunately, the right preparation now will protect your lawn from the punishing heat. Let’s break it down step by step.
One of the most common mistakes homeowners make is watering incorrectly during hot weather. The way you water now can determine whether your lawn stays green or becomes a dry, brown eyesore.
Mulching isn’t just for garden beds — it’s one of the smartest ways to conserve water and protect your plants and trees during hot weather.
Apply Mulch Around Trees and Flower BedsSpread 2–3 inches of mulch around shrubs, trees, and flower beds. Mulch shields the soil from direct sun exposure, slows evaporation, and maintains a more consistent soil temperature.
Use Organic MulchYour mowing routine can either help your lawn thrive or push it closer to heat stress. Adjusting your mowing habits in May is a simple but powerful way to protect your turf.
Raise Your Mower Blades
Set your mower to cut grass at the higher end of its recommended height. For most warm-season grasses, 3–4 inches is ideal. Taller grass shades the soil, reduces moisture loss, and supports deeper root systems.
Sharpen Your Blades
A clean cut reduces the risk of disease and stress, which can be intensified during heatwaves.
Avoid Mowing During Midday Heat
Mow early in the morning or in the early evening when temperatures are cooler. This reduces the risk of burning freshly cut grass.
If your lawn regularly struggles with heat, switching to a more heat-resistant grass type might be the long-term solution.
Bermuda Grass
Known for its incredible drought tolerance and quick recovery, Bermuda grass thrives in direct sun and hot weather.
Zoysia Grass
A soft, dense turf that handles heat, drought, and even foot traffic well. Zoysia is perfect for homeowners who want durability with beauty.
St. Augustine Grass
Ideal for warm regions like Texas, this grass is shade-tolerant but loves the heat, making it a versatile choice for mixed-light yards.
Even seasoned homeowners sometimes unknowingly make choices that harm their lawns when the temperature spikes. Here’s what to watch out for:
Avoid Overwatering
Too much water can drown your roots and lead to fungal diseases.
Don’t Fertilize During Extreme Heat
Fertilizing a heat-stressed lawn can scorch the grass and do more harm than good. Feed your lawn in early spring and pause during heatwaves.
Stay Off the Grass When It’s Dry and Brittle
Foot traffic during drought conditions can permanently damage the grass blades.
Proper lawn care for hot weather is about strategy, not struggle. The lawn you see in early May will either flourish through summer or fade into a brittle, brown patch depending on the actions you take now.
From smart watering and mulch application to adjusting your mowing habits and even choosing the right grass type, each step matters. A healthy lawn isn’t just beautiful — it’s a natural air conditioner for your home, a safe play area for your family, and an investment in your property’s curb appeal.
Ready to beat the heat and keep your lawn looking picture-perfect all season long? Our team of experienced lawn care specialists knows how to handle the tough Texas sun and prepare your yard for anything Mother Nature throws your way.
Call Steiner Lawn Care Today!
