5-Step Checklist for a Healthy Lawn This Summer

Just like our winters, summers can be really intense.

One minute it’s overcast and 20°C; the very next day, it’s 30°C and the sun feels…well…HOT.

Add in dry winds, water restrictions, and the occasional backyard stampede (thanks, kids and pets), and your lawn takes a serious beating.

The good news? Our 5-step checklist will help you give your lawn the TLC it needs to not just survive—but actually thrive—through the summer heat.

Ready to level up your lawn without any real hard work? Let’s go.

STEP 1: Water Smarter, Not Harder

Let’s bust a myth right off the bat: more water doesn’t equal a better lawn. The real trick is watering deeply, but not often.

• How often? Depends on the weather at the time. Instead of sticking to a strict watering schedule, keep an eye on your soil. An easy way to check? Push a screwdriver into the ground. If it slides in smoothly about 6 inches, your lawn’s got enough moisture. If it’s tough to get in and the soil feels dry, it’s time to water. The rule of thumb is watering twice a week during those dry summer spells.
• How much? 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week, including any rainfall. That’s just enough to encourage strong, deep roots without creating a soggy mess.
• Early morning (before 10 a.m.) is the golden hour for watering. Your lawn gets the moisture it needs, and there’s less chance of fungus or evaporation stealing it away.
• We know measuring water sounds like a pain, but here’s a simple trick: pop an empty tuna can on your lawn while the sprinklers are on. Once it fills up to about an inch, you’ve hit your goal. No calculators required.
• Also, skip the daily drizzle. Light, frequent watering trains your grass to grow shallow roots, making it wimpier when summer really kicks in. Instead, water once or twice a week with intention.
• Bonus tip for the eco-minded. If your region is facing drought restrictions, don’t panic. Prioritize your lawn’s needs by adjusting timing, cutting back gently, and letting our Green Keepers help you find a smarter solution.

STEP 2: Mow Like a Pro

A bad haircut grows out. A bad mow? That could do a lot of damage. Mowing may seem simple, but doing it right can make or break your summer turf.

• Sharp blades are non-negotiable. Dull ones tear grass instead of cutting cleanly, leaving ragged edges that turn brown. And those brown tips are what make your lawn look less lush and unhealthy.
• Follow the one-third rule. Never cut more than one-third of the grass blade at once.
• Set your mower higher (2.5–3 inches) during summer. Taller grass shades the soil and keeps roots cool.
• Leave the clippings. Seriously. Grass recycling returns valuable nutrients to the soil and saves you from raking or bagging.
• Skip mowing when it’s wet. Wet grass clumps clogs the mower, and tears under the blade. Wait for it to dry unless you’re aiming for chaos.

STEP 3: Feed Your Lawn, It’s Hungry!

Summer can be difficult on your lawn. There’s heat, foot traffic, maybe a rogue sprinkler rebellion. If your grass looks tired, faded, or just plain blah, chances are it’s starving. Time to feed it something that actually helps.

• Use a fertilizer. This type of fertilizer delivers nutrients gradually, giving your grass a steady buffet instead of a one-time sugar rush. The result? Healthier roots, better drought resistance, and longer-lasting colour.
• A midsummer feeding goes a long way. After your grass has worked overtime through spring and early summer, this extra boost helps it stay thick and resilient into the hottest weeks.
• Don’t guess, get a custom plan. Green Drop’s fertilizer programs are tailored for your region, your soil, and your specific turf type. No off-the-shelf solutions. You get formulations backed by local lawn science.

STEP 4: Keep Weeds in Check

Weeds aren’t just ugly; they compete with your grass for water, nutrients, and sun. And left unchecked, they multiply faster than a bunny in spring.

• Spot-treat weeds before they spread. The earlier you catch them, the easier they are to remove. Don’t wait for a full-blown invasion.
• Focus on broadleaf weeds like dandelions, clover, and thistle. These are the usual suspects in summer, and they stand out like sore thumbs.
• Mow high to crowd them out. Taller grass naturally shades the soil, which blocks sunlight from reaching weed seeds. It’s a low-effort way to stop growth before it starts.
• Skip the DIY weed killers. Homemade mixes might sound clever, but vinegar, salt, and soap often damage healthy turf more than they help.
• Overseed bare spots. Weeds love open soil, so filling in gaps with new grass helps prevent future outbreaks.
• Keep your lawn healthy overall. Weeds thrive in stressed-out lawns. If your grass is thick, well-fed, and regularly watered, it’s your best natural defence.
• Green Drop uses approved herbicides that are tough on weeds but gentle on your lawn, and safe for people and pets once dry.

STEP 5: Give Your Lawn a Mid-Season Check-up

Summer heat can bring out the worst in your lawns. From wilting, yellowing, thinning out, or giving in to pests, your lawn needs help. That’s why a mid-season check-up is essential.

• Start with a stroll. Take a walk around your yard and look for signs of stress: yellowing blades, thinning areas, bare patches, or signs of insect damage like chewed edges or tiny mounds.
• Catch problems early. The sooner you spot a developing issue, the easier (and cheaper) it is to fix. Waiting until things go brown and crispy? Not ideal.
• Consider aeration if you skipped it in spring. Mid-to-late summer aeration can still help loosen compacted soil and improve root health, especially if your lawn’s looking tired.
• Check your watering zones. If you’re using a sprinkler system, make sure every area is getting even coverage. Dry corners or over soaked patches are often the result of poor sprinkler placement or clogged nozzles. A quick test can save your lawn from patchy performance.

Quick Checklist: Is Your Lawn Summer-Ready?

Give yourself a high five for every box you check.

• Watered deeply once or twice this week (1 to 1.5 inches total)
• Sprinklers set to run in the early morning
• Mowed with sharp blades and followed the one-third rule
• Grass height set to 2.5–3 inches to beat the heat
• Left clippings on the lawn to return nutrients
• Applied a slow-release summer fertilizer (and watered it in!)
• Spot-treated any visible weeds before they spread
• Avoided DIY weed killers and used safe, approved treatments
• Checked for yellow spots, pests, or signs of stress
• Inspected sprinkler zones for even water coverage
• Schedule a Green Drop lawn care package

Print it. Screenshot it. Tape it to the garage fridge. Whatever works, just use it. A healthy lawn isn’t about doing more; it’s about doing the right things at the right time.

Don’t Sweat It. We’ll Handle the Lawn, You Enjoy Summer

Want that thick, green lawn without memorizing fertilizer schedules or fighting weeds every weekend?

Green Drop’s expert team makes it easy. From fertilization and weed control to aeration and overseeding, we tailor everything to your yard’s unique needs.

Book your lawn care package and enjoy your summer while we handle the heavy lifting. We have 2,600+ positive reviews on Google.