Is your lawn looking a little worse for wear this summer? You’re definitely not alone. With the heat ramping up, longer days, and unpredictable weather, summer can be a tough time for your turf. From brown patches and heat stress to pesky weeds and disease, there are many challenges that can cause your lawn to lose its lush, green glow. But don’t worry—Tree Amigos Landscaping, your go-to for expert landscaping services in Niagara-on-the-Lake and surrounding areas, has you covered! In this blog, we’ll walk you through the most common summer lawn issues, how to identify and treat them, and when to call in professional lawn care services. With the right approach to lawn maintenance, you can keep your grass healthy and verdant all summer long — and well into the next season.
Summer brings a unique set of challenges that can take a serious toll on your lawn. With the sun beating down, soil dries out more quickly than usual, leaving grass roots dehydrated and stressed. Even with regular watering, high evaporation rates can prevent your lawn from getting the moisture it truly needs to stay green and healthy. But drought stress isn’t the only issue. Frequent mowing, kids and pets running around, backyard gatherings, and the occasional heavy summer downpour all add additional strain. Recognizing these stressors is the first step in maintaining a healthy, resilient lawn throughout the season.
One of the most common summer lawn issues is heat stress combined with drought damage. When soil moisture drops too low, grass blades turn yellow or brown and the lawn may feel brittle underfoot. This is your grass’s way of going dormant to protect itself from dying completely. If you see these signs, the first step is to adjust your watering routine. Avoid shallow, frequent watering; instead, water deeply and less often. Deep watering encourages roots to grow further down, making your lawn more resilient to dry spells. Ideally, your lawn needs about 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week—either from rain or irrigation. The best time to water is early morning, before the heat of the day causes rapid evaporation. Watering in the evening might seem just as appropriate, but it can leave the grass wet overnight, increasing the risk of fungal diseases. Adjusting your mowing height also helps combat heat stress. Keeping your mower blade set higher (about 3 inches or more) shades the soil, reduces evaporation, and helps your lawn stay cooler. Mowing too short, especially in summer, is like giving your grass a sunburn.
Brown patches in your lawn are a clear warning sign something’s wrong. They often appear suddenly, starting as small circles and expanding if left untreated. The causes of brown patches are usually the result of one or more of the following:
If you suspect disease, it’s best to act fast. Treat fungal infections with appropriate fungicides and improve your watering habits to reduce moisture on grass blades. Aeration can help break up compacted soil, allowing water and air to reach the roots. Thatch can be removed with a dethatching rake or by hiring professionals. For pet damage, flushing the area with water immediately after the “accident” helps dilute nitrogen and prevent burning. Overseeding affected areas in early fall also encourages fresh growth and patch repair.
Summer is prime time for weeds to take hold. As grass begins to thin or bare patches appear, opportunistic invaders like dandelions, clover, and crabgrass are quick to move in. At first glance, they might not seem like a major threat—but don’t be fooled. Weeds compete directly with your grass for sunlight, water, and nutrients, ultimately weakening the health and appearance of your entire lawn. The best way to prevent weed infestations is to maintain a dense, healthy turf—something we specialize in as one of the leading landscaping companies in Niagara. A thick lawn naturally shades the soil, reducing the space and sunlight that weed seeds need to germinate. Applying a pre-emergent herbicide in early spring is another smart step. It stops many weeds before they even get a chance to grow. During the summer months, spot-treating visible weeds with a selective herbicide—or simply hand-pulling them—can help keep the problem under control. Just be careful: applying herbicides during periods of heat stress or in excessive amounts can cause more harm than good.
If parts of your lawn look dead or patchy and you notice birds digging or pets scratching, insect damage might be to blame. Common pests like white grubs, chinch bugs, and sod webworms feed on grass roots or blades, causing rapid damage. You can check for white grubs by lifting small patches of turf and looking for creamy-white larvae with brown heads. The presence of many grubs usually requires insecticide treatment. Healthy lawn care practices help prevent pests. Avoid overwatering, which creates moist conditions favourable to many insects.
Fungal diseases are a serious concern during summer, especially if your lawn remains wet for long periods. Diseases like red thread, dollar spot, brown patch, and Pythium blight can quickly take hold, leaving discoloured spots and thinning turf. Preventing these diseases involves a combination of the following:
When disease strikes, lawn care services like fungicide applications along with aeration and overseeding may be needed, to restore healthy grass.
Mowing might seem simple, but mistakes can cause major lawn problems. Cutting grass too short (scalping) stresses your lawn and exposes roots to heat and drought. Using dull mower blades tears grass, increasing vulnerability to disease. Also, mowing in the same direction every time can compact soil and cause ruts. To keep your lawn in top shape, follow the “one-third rule”: never remove more than one-third of the grass blade in a single mowing. It’s also important to sharpen your mower blades at least once per season and vary your mowing pattern to reduce compaction and promote even growth. If mowing feels like a hassle, Tree Amigos Landscaping offers expert lawn care services to ensure your grass is trimmed properly and consistently throughout summer. Learn more about our summer Care + Maintain services.
Healthy lawns start from the ground up–literally. A big part of effective lawn maintenance involves understanding what’s happening beneath the surface. Soil compaction, often caused by foot traffic or heavy equipment, can limit root growth and prevent water from soaking in properly. Another common issue is thatch–a dense layer of organic material between the grass and soil–that can block water, air, and nutrients from reaching the roots. If you notice water pooling after rainfall or irrigation, or if your grass is struggling despite regular care, soil and thatch problems could be the cause. Aeration–creating small holes in the soil–improves airflow and drainage, making it easier for roots to grow deep and strong. Dethatching helps remove the barrier that prevents moisture from penetrating the soil. As part of a complete lawn maintenance plan, it’s also a good idea to test your soil’s pH and nutrient levels, so you can apply the right amendments, such as lime, sulfur, or fertilizer.
If you’ve already adjusted your watering habits, fine-tuned your mowing routine, and tried a few DIY fixes but your lawn is still struggling, it might be time to bring in professional help. At Tree Amigos Landscaping, we’re proud to be one of the top landscaping companies serving Niagara-on-the-Lake and the surrounding region. Our summer Care + Maintain services play a key role in keeping your landscape healthy, beautiful, and thriving throughout the season.
Our summer services include:
· Garden care and enhancements
· Garden and walkway edging
· Pruning
· Planting (annuals, perennials, trees, and shrubs)
· Decorative containers
· Soil amendment and cultivation
· Mulching
· Organic fertilizing
Lawn care is about more than just keeping the grass trimmed—it’s about creating a healthy, balanced outdoor environment. That’s why Tree Amigos Landscaping offers lawn cutting as part of our broader maintenance approach. By combining this with essential services like mulching, soil cultivation, and garden care, we help improve soil structure, promote vigorous growth, and keep your property looking its best. As one of the leading landscaping companies in Niagara, we’re committed to helping homeowners and businesses alike maintain thriving landscapes throughout the summer. Whether your lawn needs a refresh or your garden beds need attention, our Care + Maintain services are designed to deliver long-lasting results. Contact us today to book your free quote. Request a free Care + Maintain quote today.
Summer is just one part of the lawn care cycle. Planning for fall, winter, and spring is essential to keep your lawn healthy long term.
· In fall, core aeration and overseeding help repair summer damage and prepare your grass for winter.
· During winter, minimize foot traffic to avoid damaging dormant turf and clear debris to prevent mould.
· Come spring, focus on weed prevention, balanced fertilization, and proper mowing height to encourage vigorous growth.
A summer lawn looking tired or patchy doesn’t mean it’s doomed. With the right knowledge and care, you can bring your lawn back to life. Tree Amigos Landscaping is proud to serve Niagara-on-the-Lake and surrounding areas with expert lawn maintenance services that keep your turf lush and healthy through every season. And if you’re looking to go beyond the lawn, our summer Care + Maintain services are here to support the overall health and appearance of your landscape. Whether you’re a homeowner or managing a commercial property, our team can help keep your gardens, walkways, and planting beds looking their best all summer long. Ready to give your outdoor space the care it deserves? Contact us today for personalized advice and professional care + maintenance services tailored to your property’s needs.
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