Beat the Heat: 5 Ways to Keep Your Minneapolis Lawn Happy This Summer

Summer in Minneapolis brings warm sunshine, weekend BBQs, and… a lawn that’s starting to look a little crispy around the edges. If your yard is feeling the stress of the season, don’t worry—you’re not the only one. The long, hot days between July and August (aka the “Dog Days of Summer”) can be tough on turf, but there’s still time to help your lawn stay green, strong, and summer-ready.

Here are five practical ways to keep your lawn healthy—and maybe even make your neighbors a little jealous.

1. Time Your Watering Like a Pro
Forget the midday splash-and-dash. The best time to water is early in the morning—before 9 a.m.—when the sun is low and water has time to soak into the soil. Watering in the evening is your second-best bet, though it can sometimes invite fungus if the grass stays damp overnight.

Aim for one deep watering (about 1 inch per week) instead of light, frequent sprinkles. Your lawn needs hydration, not a quick rinse.

Quick tip: If footprints stay visible on your grass for more than a few seconds, it’s thirsty.

2. Mow High, Mow Smart
Set those mower blades to 3 inches or higher. Longer grass blades provide shade to the soil, helping retain moisture and block out weeds. And be sure you’re not cutting off more than one-third of the grass blade at a time—think of it as a trim, not a buzz cut.

Bonus: Keeping your blades sharp reduces stress on the grass. Dull blades = torn turf = sad lawn.

3. Don’t Feed It Too Much
You might think your lawn needs a big nutrient boost during summer, but over-fertilizing in the heat can do more harm than good. If you missed your spring fertilizing window, it’s better to wait until early fall. Right now, your grass just wants water, a little TLC, and maybe a break from foot traffic.

Need help planning a fertilizing schedule that works for Minnesota’s unique growing season? The Lawnsmith has it down to a science.

4. Know Your Enemies: Weeds and Insects
Weeds thrive when lawns are stressed. Crabgrass, dandelions, and clover love a weak lawn. Spot-treat weeds if needed, and focus on building a thicker, healthier lawn to crowd them out naturally.

Also, keep an eye out for insect trouble—grubs and chinch bugs are the usual suspects. Look for brown patches that peel up easily or areas where wildlife is digging. It could be a sign something’s lurking just under the surface.

5. Let a Pro Handle the Hard Stuff
Life gets busy. Between vacations, kids’ activities, and simply trying to enjoy summer, lawn care can feel like another chore on the list. That’s where we come in.

The Lawnsmith offers full-service lawn care in Minneapolis and surrounding areas—from mowing and trimming to aeration, weed control, and grub prevention. Whether you need a one-time fix or ongoing maintenance, we’re here to make your lawn look its best all season long.

Keep It Green, Minneapolis
Minnesota summers are short—make the most of yours with a lawn that’s healthy, inviting, and a breeze to maintain. If you're tired of patchy spots, watering guesswork, and sneaky weeds ruining your curb appeal, let The Lawnsmith help you get back to enjoying your outdoor space.

Request your free quote today and give your grass the summer glow-up it deserves.

FAQs

Q: Is it too late to start a lawn care routine in late summer?
Nope! Late summer is actually a great time to prep for a stronger fall lawn. Think of it as giving your turf a head start before cooler weather sets in.

Q: How often should I mow during the summer?
Aim for once a week, but let growth be your guide. If the grass hasn’t grown much during a dry spell, skip a mow rather than scalping it.

Q: What if my lawn is already brown and dry?
That could be drought stress—or dormancy. Water deeply for a few weeks and watch for signs of recovery. If you're unsure, we can help diagnose the problem and offer real solutions.