Top 6 Lawn Care Tips for the Summer in Fort Worth

Summer in Fort Worth can be absolutely brutal on our lawns. With temperatures regularly hitting triple digits and humidity that makes it feel even worse, keeping your grass green and healthy takes some real know-how. I'm Cole from New Day Landscaping, and after years of helping over 100 local families maintain beautiful lawns through Texas summers, I've learned what actually works in our unique climate.

I recently came across a fantastic video from Alan Hayne at The Lawn Care Nut that covers summer lawn care basics, and I wanted to share some insights that I've adapted specifically for us here in the Fort Worth area. Alan's got solid advice, but living and working in Texas means we face some particular challenges that require a local approach.

1. Summer Fertilization Strategy for Texas Heat

Here in Texas, our warm season grasses like Bermuda and St. Augustine have different needs than the cool season varieties up north. While Alan recommends Milorganite around July 4th, I've found that timing needs some adjustment for our Fort Worth climate.

By early July, we're already deep into the stress period for our lawns. I typically recommend getting that summer fertilizer application done by mid to late June, before the real heat sets in. This gives your grass the nutrients it needs to build up strength before facing those 100+ degree days we get through July and August.

For our area, I prefer a slow-release fertilizer that won't burn the grass when temperatures spike. The key is providing steady nutrition without pushing growth too hard when the grass is already stressed from heat. We've seen great results with this approach across our service area in Fort Worth, Benbrook, and Crowley.

2. Battling Texas Summer Insects

Down here in Texas, we deal with some serious insect pressure during summer. The warm, humid conditions create perfect breeding grounds for pests that can destroy a lawn in just a few weeks if left unchecked.

Chinch Bugs - Public Enemy #1

Chinch bugs are probably the biggest threat to St. Augustine lawns in our area. These little guys start their damage early in the season, but the real destruction happens during our hottest months. I've seen beautiful lawns turn into patchy messes because homeowners didn't catch chinch bug infestations early enough.

The telltale sign is patches of grass that develop an orangey, burnt appearance. If you're seeing this kind of damage, especially in sunny areas of your lawn, chinch bugs are likely the culprit. Quick treatment with the right insecticide can stop the damage from spreading.

Armyworms and Webworms

These pests can strip a lawn bare in what seems like overnight. If you see moths flying up when you mow, that's your warning sign that larvae are already feeding below the surface. The key is catching them early before they can do serious damage.

3. Creating a Pest-Free Outdoor Environment

One thing I love about Alan's approach is how he thinks about the bigger picture. Summer lawn care isn't just about keeping grass green - it's about creating an outdoor space your family actually wants to use.

Mosquitoes are absolutely miserable here in Fort Worth during summer. Between our irrigation systems, afternoon thunderstorms, and high humidity, we create perfect mosquito breeding conditions. I've found that treating lawns for nuisance pests about a week before July 4th makes a huge difference for families who want to enjoy their yards during peak outdoor season.

This approach also helps with fire ants, which are a year-round problem here but get especially aggressive during hot weather. Fleas and ticks are another concern, especially for families with pets who spend time outdoors.

4. Disease Prevention in High Humidity

Our Texas humidity creates ideal conditions for lawn diseases, and summer stress makes grass more susceptible to problems. Brown patch is the big one we watch for, especially on St. Augustine grass.

The tricky thing about brown patch is that it often shows up during our transition from late summer into fall, but the conditions that cause it start building during the peak heat of summer. Prevention is much easier than treatment, which is why I recommend starting fungicide applications in August for properties that have dealt with brown patch before.

Proper watering practices are crucial for disease prevention. Too much water creates fungal conditions, but too little stresses the grass and makes it vulnerable. Finding that sweet spot is part of the art of lawn care in Texas.

5. Smart Watering for Fort Worth Summers

Water management might be the most critical factor for summer lawn survival in our area. We get those stretches where it feels like the sun is trying to bake everything into dust, and then we'll get a week of afternoon thunderstorms that dump inches of water.

The key is consistency and timing. Deep, infrequent watering encourages deep root growth, which helps grass survive heat stress. I typically recommend watering early morning, around 4-6 AM, to minimize evaporation and reduce disease pressure.

During peak summer, established Bermuda grass needs about 1-1.5 inches of water per week, including rainfall. St. Augustine typically needs a bit more. The trick is adjusting your irrigation based on weather conditions and paying attention to how your specific lawn responds.

6. Professional Maintenance During Peak Stress

Summer is when professional lawn care really shows its value. When temperatures are extreme and grass is stressed, small mistakes can cause big problems. Having someone who understands the specific challenges of maintaining lawns in Texas heat can make the difference between a lawn that survives and one that thrives.

At New Day Landscaping, we've developed our maintenance approach based on years of working with Fort Worth area lawns. We know which neighborhoods tend to have chinch bug problems, where brown patch typically shows up first, and how to adjust our care practices during heat waves.

Our comprehensive approach means we're not just mowing - we're monitoring for problems, adjusting irrigation recommendations, and making sure your lawn gets what it needs when it needs it. That's part of why we maintain a 95% retention rate with our clients. When you find someone who really understands Texas lawn care, you stick with them.

Ready for a Lawn That Thrives Through Texas Heat?

Summer lawn care in Fort Worth doesn't have to be a constant battle against the elements. With the right approach and consistent attention to detail, your grass can stay healthy and green even when we're hitting those triple-digit temperatures. At New Day Landscaping, we've spent years perfecting our summer care strategies for Texas lawns, and we'd love to put that experience to work for your property.

We serve homeowners throughout Fort Worth, Benbrook, and Crowley with comprehensive lawn care that's designed specifically for our challenging climate. With over 25 five-star reviews and more than 100 local families trusting us with their outdoor spaces, we understand what it takes to maintain beautiful lawns year-round in Texas. If you're ready to stop worrying about your lawn and start enjoying it, give us a call at (817) 760-0479 or request your free estimate today.