Summer Yard Care: Keeping Your Lawn Green During Drier Months
Keep Your Lawn Green This Summer Without Wasting Water
As summer heats up, keeping a lush, green lawn can feel like a challenge—especially during the drier months. But with the right watering techniques and smart landscaping choices, you can maintain a vibrant yard while conserving water. Over the years, I’ve learned that a little planning goes a long way. Here’s how I help my clients (and myself) keep their lawns healthy all season long.
1. Smart Watering Techniques
Watering your lawn the right way is the key to keeping it resilient, even in the hottest months.
• Water Deeply, But Less Often – Instead of daily shallow watering, I always recommend deeper watering sessions just 2-3 times a week. This encourages deep root growth, making your lawn more drought-resistant.
• Water Early in the Morning – The best time to water is before 9 AM, when the sun isn’t high enough to cause rapid evaporation. This lets moisture soak into the soil where it’s needed.
• Use Soaker Hoses or Drip Irrigation – I love these methods because they deliver water directly to the roots while minimizing runoff and waste.
• Adjust for Rainfall – If we get some summer rain here in the Seattle area, I always remind homeowners to scale back their watering schedule. Overwatering is just as harmful as underwatering!
2. Lawn Maintenance for Drier Months
Beyond watering, proper lawn care makes all the difference in keeping your yard healthy.
• Mow at a Higher Setting – Keeping grass about 3-4 inches tall helps shade the soil, reducing water loss. A slightly longer lawn is more resilient in the heat.
• Leave Grass Clippings – Mulching your clippings instead of bagging them helps retain moisture and adds nutrients back into the soil. It’s a simple trick with great benefits.
• Aerate Your Lawn – If your soil is compacted, aerating it can help water penetrate more deeply. This is especially helpful if you have a lot of foot traffic on your lawn.
• Use Organic Mulch – In garden beds and around trees, mulch prevents soil from drying out too quickly. Plus, it keeps weeds at bay!
3. Choosing Drought-Resistant Plants
For those looking to reduce water use while still maintaining a beautiful yard, I always suggest incorporating drought-resistant landscaping.
• Opt for Native Plants – Plants that are naturally adapted to our Pacific Northwest climate require less watering and maintenance.
• Replace Some Grass with Ground Cover – Instead of a full lawn, consider clover, creeping thyme, or ornamental grasses. They require much less water and still look fantastic.
• Install Xeriscaping Features – Rock gardens, gravel pathways, and drought-tolerant plants can be both stylish and practical.
4. Efficient Water Conservation Practices
Even small water-saving habits can add up over time. Here are a few ways I help homeowners reduce waste:
• Collect Rainwater – Rain barrels are a great way to store water for those dry spells.
• Check for Leaks – A leaking hose or irrigation system can waste gallons of water every day. It’s worth doing a quick check.
• Use a Moisture Meter – I often see people watering their lawns when they don’t really need to. A moisture meter helps you determine whether your lawn actually requires water.
Final Thoughts
Keeping your lawn green through the summer doesn’t mean wasting water. With the right techniques—like deep watering, proper maintenance, and a little planning—you can have a thriving, beautiful yard while still being mindful of conservation.
If you’re thinking about buying or selling a home, or you just want more homeowner tips, let’s chat! I also host home-buying classes where we dive into everything from smart landscaping to financing strategies. You can sign up here: https://www.myseattlesearch.com/events-and-classes.
Joe Sheldon, Real Estate Broker
Designed Realty
Phone: (206) 751-2223
Email: [email protected]
