The Biggest Lawn Care Mistakes Homeowners Make During Summer
Summer is when your lawn is under the most stress. Between heat, drought conditions, foot traffic, and aggressive growth, small mistakes can quickly turn a healthy lawn into a patchy, weed-filled landscape.
At A&F Lawn Care, we see the same issues every summer throughout South Jersey. The good news? Most of them are completely avoidable.
1. Cutting Grass Too Short
Many homeowners believe mowing shorter means mowing less often. Unfortunately, the opposite is true.
Scalping your lawn exposes the soil to direct sunlight, increases moisture loss, weakens root systems, and creates ideal conditions for weeds to take over.
During the summer months, cool-season grasses common in New Jersey should generally be maintained between 3.5" and 4" tall.
Benefits of taller grass include:
Better drought tolerance
Deeper root growth
Reduced weed pressure
Improved lawn color and density
2. Watering Too Often
A common misconception is that lawns need daily watering during hot weather.
Frequent shallow watering encourages shallow root growth, making your lawn more dependent on irrigation and less resilient during dry periods.
Instead, aim for approximately 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week, including rainfall.
The best time to water is:
Early morning (4:00 AM – 9:00 AM)
Avoid watering in the evening, as prolonged moisture can contribute to fungal disease development.
3. Ignoring Weed Control
Summer weeds can quickly spread if left untreated.
Common South Jersey summer weeds include:
Crabgrass
Nutsedge
Spotted spurge
Clover
Broadleaf weeds
Many homeowners wait until weeds become obvious before taking action. By that point, control becomes more difficult and expensive.
A preventative fertilization and weed control program helps stop problems before they start.
4. Applying Too Much Fertilizer
More fertilizer does not equal a healthier lawn.
Applying excessive nitrogen during hot summer months can:
Burn turf
Increase disease pressure
Stress already weakened grass
Create excessive growth requiring more mowing
Professional lawn care programs are designed to provide the proper nutrients at the right time of year.
5. Neglecting Lawn Equipment Maintenance
Dull mower blades tear grass instead of cutting it cleanly.
This creates:
Brown, frayed tips
Increased moisture loss
Greater susceptibility to disease
Mower blades should be sharpened several times throughout the growing season for optimal results.
6. Waiting Too Long to Address Bare Spots
Small patches can become large problems quickly during summer.
Bare areas invite:
Weed growth
Soil erosion
Insect activity
Further turf decline
Early intervention often prevents more costly repairs later in the season.
7. Skipping Professional Lawn Inspections
Many lawn issues start below the surface before visible symptoms appear.
Professional inspections can identify:
Disease pressure
Grub activity
Soil deficiencies
Irrigation problems
Compaction issues
Catching these concerns early can save homeowners significant time and money.
Protect Your Lawn This Summer
A healthy lawn doesn't happen by accident. Proper mowing, watering, fertilization, and maintenance all work together to keep your property looking its best throughout the season.
If you're noticing brown patches, weeds, thinning turf, or simply want professional guidance, A&F Lawn Care is here to help.
Contact our team today to learn more about our lawn maintenance and fertilization programs and keep your property looking its best all summer long.
