The scorching summer sun, relentless humidity, and sudden downpours are a familiar backdrop for life in South Louisiana. While these elements define our vibrant landscape, they also present significant challenges for maintaining a healthy, green lawn. For homeowners in Baton Rouge, Prairieville, Gonzales, St. Amant, Geismar, Sorrento, and Burnside, keeping your grass healthy through the hottest days of summer isn’t just about watering, it’s about a strategic, informed approach. Here at Griffin Lawn Care, we understand the unique demands our local climate places on your turf, and we’re here to provide an in-depth guide to ensuring your lawn remains a source of pride, not frustration.

The Science of Watering: Deep, Infrequent, and Timely

Perhaps the most critical aspect of summer lawn care is proper irrigation. Many homeowners make the mistake of watering too frequently and too shallowly. This encourages grass roots to stay near the surface, making them vulnerable to drying out during heat waves.

• Go Deep: Aim to provide about 1 inch of water per week, either from rain or irrigation. This should moisten the soil to a depth of 6-8 inches. You can check this by pushing a screwdriver into the ground after watering and see how difficult it is to push in. If it goes in easily, you’ve likely watered deep enough. Deep watering trains roots to grow deeper, making your lawn more resilient to drought and heat stress.
• Water Infrequently: Instead of daily sprinkles, water 1-2 times per week, depending on rainfall and heat intensity. This allows the topsoil to dry out slightly between waterings, which is crucial for root health and preventing fungal growth.
• Optimal Timing: The golden rule for watering is early morning, typically between 4 AM and 9 AM. Watering during this window minimizes water loss due to evaporation and allows grass blades to dry off before nightfall. Wet grass overnight is an open invitation for fungal diseases like brown patch, a common foe in our humid climate. Avoid watering in the evening or midday. Midday watering leads to excessive evaporation, wasting water and leaving your lawn thirsty. Evening watering keeps the grass wet too long, creating a perfect breeding ground for fungi.

Pro Tip for Our Service Areas: Pay attention to localized dry spots. Areas near concrete (driveways, sidewalks), on slopes, or under large trees may dry out faster and require supplemental hand watering, even if your irrigation system covers the rest of the lawn. This is particularly common in the denser residential areas of Prairieville and the more open landscapes of Sorrento.

Adjust Your Mowing Habits: Height, Frequency, and Blade Sharpness 

Your lawnmower can be your best friend or worst enemy in the summer, depending on how you use it.

• Raise Your Mower Blades: This is non-negotiable for summer. For most warm-season grasses prevalent in South Louisiana (St. Augustine, Bermuda, Zoysia), set your mower to cut at 3-4 inches. Taller grass blades provide natural shade to the soil below, reducing evaporation and keeping the root zone cooler. This also helps to suppress weed growth by blocking sunlight from reaching weed seeds.
• Mow Less Frequently (if needed): During extreme heat or drought periods, grass growth slows down. Adjust your mowing frequency accordingly. Mowing stressed grass can do more harm than good. Only mow when necessary, removing no more than one-third of the blade height at a time.
• Keep Blades Razor Sharp: Dull mower blades tear and fray grass blades, leaving jagged cuts that turn brown and make your lawn susceptible to disease. Sharp blades deliver a clean cut, promoting faster recovery and a healthier appearance. Consider sharpening your blades every 8-10 hours of mowing, or at least once a month during peak season.

Fertilize with Caution (or Skip It!)

Summer is generally not the ideal time for heavy nitrogen fertilization in South Louisiana. While tempting to give your lawn a boost, high nitrogen during intense heat can push excessive top growth at the expense of root development, making your grass more vulnerable to stress and disease, even leading to “burn” marks. 

The absolute best way to determine your lawn’s nutrient needs is through a professional soil test. Griffin Lawn Care can facilitate this, providing a precise roadmap for fertilization. If your soil test indicates a need for summer feeding, opt for a slow-release granular fertilizer specifically formulated for warm-season grasses. These provide a steady supply of nutrients over time, reducing the risk of burn. 

Sometimes, a yellowing lawn indicates an iron deficiency, not a need for more nitrogen. Iron supplements can green up your lawn without promoting excessive growth.

 If your lawn looks relatively healthy, it’s often best to hold off on significant fertilization until late summer or early fall when temperatures begin to moderate. This allows the grass to strengthen its roots before the cooler months.

Watch Out for Pests and Diseases

High heat and humidity create ideal conditions for pests like chinch bugs and sod webworms, as well as fungal diseases like brown patch. Regularly inspect your lawn for discolored patches, thinning areas, or unusual spots. Early detection is key to effective treatment. If you spot something suspicious in your St. Amant or Burnside lawn, don’t hesitate to contact us for an expert diagnosis and treatment plan.

Consider Professional Help

Summer lawn care can be time-consuming and challenging. Griffin Lawn Care offers comprehensive services, including proper irrigation scheduling, targeted fertilization, and effective pest and disease management, to ensure your lawn stays green and healthy without the guesswork. Let us handle the hard work while you enjoy your vibrant outdoor space.

Contact us today at (225) 202-5605 to discuss your summer lawn care needs and let us help you achieve the healthy lawn you deserve!