6-Step Process to Prepare Your Lawn for the Summer Heat

Here in Fort Worth, we know summer heat isn't something to mess around with. When those Texas temperatures start climbing toward triple digits, your lawn needs every advantage it can get to survive and thrive. After providing lawn care service throughout the Metroplex for years, I've learned that proper preparation in late spring makes all the difference between a lawn that struggles through summer and one that stays green and healthy.

I want to give a shoutout to Lawn Insider for putting together an excellent video on this topic. Their insights on bermudagrass care really align with what we see working here in North Texas, and I'm excited to share how these principles apply specifically to our challenging Fort Worth climate.

As someone who's maintained over 100 local properties and earned a 95% customer retention rate, I can tell you that the work we do in May and early June directly impacts how your lawn performs when those August heat waves hit. Let me walk you through the six essential steps that will set your lawn up for success this summer.

Why Fort Worth Lawns Need Special Summer Prep

Living in the Dallas-Fort Worth area means dealing with some unique challenges that other parts of the country don't face. Our clay soil retains heat like nobody's business, and when you combine that with humidity levels that can make a 95-degree day feel like 105, your grass is under serious stress.

I've seen too many homeowners in neighborhoods like Wedgwood East and Benbrook wait until their grass is already struggling to take action. By then, you're playing catch-up instead of staying ahead of the game. The key is understanding that warm-season grasses like bermudagrass and St. Augustine actually start their most aggressive growth phase right as our temperatures begin climbing into the 80s and 90s.

Step 1: Increase Your Mowing Frequency

This is probably the biggest change most folks need to make as we head into summer. When temperatures start staying above 85 degrees consistently, your bermudagrass is going to take off like crazy. I tell my clients that what worked in April – mowing once a week – isn't going to cut it anymore.

Here's the deal: bermudagrass blades have about a third green growth on top and the rest is brown, dormant material underneath. If you let it get too long between cuts, you end up scalping the lawn and exposing all that brown stuff. Trust me, I've seen plenty of lawns around Foster Park and Overton Park that looked rough because the homeowner stuck to their once-a-week schedule too long.

During peak growing season, I recommend mowing at least twice a week. If you're really committed to having the best-looking lawn on the block, three times a week is even better. I know that sounds like a lot, but remember – we're detail-oriented at New Day Landscaping because we genuinely care about the work we do.

Step 2: Strategic Fertilizer Applications

May through early June is prime time for feeding your lawn. The grass is actively growing and can actually use those nutrients instead of just sitting there waiting for better weather. After working with properties throughout Tarrant County, I've found that consistent feeding during this window makes lawns significantly more heat-tolerant.

We don't just mow and leave – we pay attention to what your lawn needs. When we notice signs that your grass could benefit from fertilization, we'll make strategic recommendations that help keep your lawn healthy. The key is getting those nutrients into the soil while the grass can absorb and use them effectively.

A well-fed lawn going into summer stress is like an athlete who's been training properly. It's got the strength and resources to handle whatever gets thrown at it. An undernourished lawn is going to struggle from day one when the real heat hits.

Step 3: Implement Smart Watering Strategies

Water management in North Texas is tricky business. We've got water restrictions to deal with, clay soil that either repels water or turns into a swamp, and humidity that can make your grass think it's getting more moisture than it actually is.

This is where comprehensive care really makes a difference. We want your entire lawn to be cared for, which means looking at the big picture of water needs, not just throwing a sprinkler out there and hoping for the best. If we notice irrigation issues or areas where water isn't penetrating properly, we'll let you know about it.

The goal is deep, infrequent watering that encourages root growth. Shallow, frequent watering creates weak root systems that can't handle heat stress. We know the Texas climate inside and out, and we'll be your trusted voice in navigating the seasonal best practices for your property.

Step 4: Address Soil Compaction Issues

Our North Texas clay soil is notorious for compacting, especially after a wet spring. When soil gets compacted, water and nutrients can't penetrate down to where the roots need them. It's like trying to drink through a straw that's been pinched shut.

May is the perfect time for aeration because the warm weather helps grass recover quickly from the process. If you've ever walked across your lawn after a good rain and noticed water just sitting on top instead of soaking in, that's a sure sign you've got compaction issues.

This kind of preventive maintenance is what separates lawns that thrive from lawns that just survive. We're not just focused on making your grass look good this week – we're thinking about building long-term health that will serve you well when the dog days of summer arrive.

Step 5: Preventive Pest Management

June bugs and grubs are a fact of life in Texas, but they don't have to destroy your lawn. The time to deal with grubs is before you see the damage, not after brown patches start showing up in July.

If you start seeing June bugs flying around your outdoor lights in the evening, that's your cue that grub season is coming. These little guys lay eggs in your lawn, and those eggs hatch into grubs that feed on grass roots. A serious grub infestation can turn a beautiful lawn into a brown, patchy mess in just a few weeks.

Prevention is always easier and more cost-effective than trying to fix damage after it's already happened. We take a proactive approach because we want to work together long-term, helping you avoid problems rather than just responding to them.

Step 6: Fine-Tune Your Lawn's Surface

This might seem like a luxury step, but hear me out. A level lawn isn't just about aesthetics – it's about water distribution, mowing efficiency, and overall lawn health. Low spots collect water and can develop fungal problems. High spots get scalped during mowing and stressed during dry periods.

Late spring to early summer is ideal for leveling work because the warm weather encourages grass to grow through whatever sand or soil amendments you add. Small leveling projects can make a huge difference in how your lawn looks and performs all summer long.

As local experts who know the Fort Worth area inside and out, we understand which neighborhoods tend to have settling issues and where drainage problems are most common. This kind of local knowledge helps us recommend the right solutions for your specific situation.

Your Fort Worth Lawn Care Partners

Summer in Texas doesn't have to mean sacrificing your lawn's health and appearance. With the right preparation and ongoing care, your grass can stay green and thriving even when the thermometer hits triple digits.

At New Day Landscaping, we've built our reputation on comprehensive care that keeps lawns healthy year-round. We offer competitive prices and have a spirit of working together long-term, which means we're invested in your lawn's success season after season.

If you're ready to give your lawn the best chance at surviving and thriving this summer, we'd love to help. We serve homeowners throughout Fort Worth, Benbrook, and Crowley, and we're always happy to discuss what your specific property needs. Schedule your free consultation with us today!