Summer is here, and with temperatures climbing into the 90s and heat index values pushing even higher, many homeowners begin to notice changes in their lawns. Grass that looked lush and green just weeks ago may begin turning dull, brown, or brittle seemingly overnight.

While these changes can be alarming, they’re often a natural response to prolonged heat and limited moisture. Understanding what happens to your lawn during extreme weather can help you protect your investment and encourage a healthier recovery once temperatures return to normal.

Heat Stress Causes Grass to Slow Down

Just like people, grass experiences stress during periods of excessive heat. When temperatures remain high for several days, turfgrass shifts its energy away from growth and focuses on survival.

You may notice:

• Slower grass growth
• A dull blue-green or grayish color
• Footprints remaining visible after walking across the lawn
• Thin or patchy areas
• Brown spots developing in areas that receive full sun

This doesn’t always mean your lawn is dying. In many cases, it’s entering a temporary state of dormancy to conserve moisture.

Why Mowing Height Matters During Hot Weather

One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make during the summer is mowing their lawn too short.

Longer grass blades provide several important benefits:

• They shade the soil, helping it stay cooler.
• They reduce water evaporation.
• They encourage deeper root growth.
• They help crowd out weeds.

At Brady Landscape, we adjust our mowing practices based on seasonal conditions. During periods of extreme heat, maintaining the proper mowing height helps reduce stress and gives your lawn the best chance to remain healthy throughout the summer.

Watering Makes All the Difference

When rainfall becomes scarce and temperatures rise, your lawn depends on proper watering to stay healthy.

For established lawns, it’s generally better to water deeply and less frequently rather than applying small amounts every day. Deep watering encourages roots to grow farther into the soil, making your lawn more resilient during future dry periods.

For best results:

• Water early in the morning.
• Apply enough water to moisten the soil several inches deep.
• Avoid watering during the hottest part of the day, when much of the water evaporates before reaching the roots.
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Protect Your Lawn During Heat Waves

During extended periods of high temperatures, a few simple steps can reduce unnecessary stress on your grass:

• Avoid excessive foot traffic on dry or heat-stressed areas.
• Delay outdoor activities that could damage weakened turf.
• Keep mower blades sharp for a clean cut.
• Leave grass clippings on the lawn when appropriate to help return nutrients and retain moisture.
• Be patient. Healthy lawns often recover once temperatures cool and rainfall returns.

Not All Brown Grass Is Dead

Many cool-season grasses commonly found in Anne Arundel County naturally become dormant during periods of intense heat and drought. Dormant grass may appear brown, but the crown and root system often remain alive beneath the surface.

With consistent watering and cooler temperatures, many lawns green back up as summer transitions into early fall.

A Healthy Lawn Starts with Good Seasonal Care

Summer weather can be unpredictable, but proper lawn care throughout the year helps your turf withstand periods of environmental stress.

Routine mowing at the correct height, seasonal fertilization, adequate watering, and healthy soil all work together to create a stronger root system that is better equipped to handle Maryland’s hot, humid summers.

If your lawn is showing signs of heat stress, don’t panic. Most lawns can recover with the right care and a little patience. By understanding how heat affects your grass and making small adjustments to your lawn care routine, you can help keep your landscape healthy throughout the hottest weeks of the year.

At Brady Landscape, we’re committed to using mowing and maintenance practices that promote long-term lawn health, even during the hottest days of summer. Our goal isn’t just to keep your lawn looking good today—it’s to help it thrive season after season.