PHR’s Top 10 Tips for Summer Lawn Care in New Jersey
Here at PHR Landscapes, based in Scotch Plains-Fanwood, NJ, we know firsthand how tough New Jersey summers can be on your lawn. High humidity, heat waves, and occasional droughts are all part of the deal. But with the right approach, you can keep your lawn looking its best even in the heart of summer.
Drawing on years of hands-on experience and expert advice from trusted sources, we’ve put together our Top 10 tips for summer lawn care in New Jersey to help your yard thrive this coming season.
1. Know Your Grass Type
Most new jersey lawns are made up of cool-season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass, tall fescue, fine fescue, and perennial ryegrass. These grasses love the cooler months and get stressed when the summer heat rolls in. Knowing what you have helps us—and you—adjust your care plan to meet your lawn’s needs.
2. Mow at the Proper Height
We always tell our clients: “Taller is better in summer.” For cool-season grasses in New Jersey, keep the blades at 3 to 4 inches. Taller grass protects the soil from the sun, locks in moisture, and blocks weeds from taking over.
Pro Tip: Never cut off more than one-third of the blade at once—it’s a simple rule that saves lawns.
3. Water Deeply and Infrequently
We can’t stress this enough: deep, infrequent watering is key. Aim for 1 to 1.5 inches per week, including rainfall. Early mornings are best—it gives the water time to soak in before the sun gets too hot and cuts down the chance of disease.
4. Fertilize Carefully
We don’t push heavy lawn fertilization in New Jersey during the peak of summer. Instead, if your lawn really needs it, we recommend a light, slow-release application, using products suited for lawns in our climate. Timing and moderation are everything here.
5. Control Weeds Early
When your grass is under stress, weeds see an opportunity. We tackle weeds before they become a bigger problem using safe spot treatments and organic methods whenever possible. Staying ahead of weeds saves a lot of headaches later.
6. Aerate if Necessary
Compacted soil is a big issue in our area, especially in high-traffic yards. If your lawn is struggling, we sometimes recommend early summer core aeration to help water and nutrients reach the roots. Waiting for Fall is better, but if it’s urgent, we act accordingly.
7. Keep Your Mower Blades Sharp
One thing we often notice on service calls: dull mower blades. They tear grass rather than cutting it cleanly, leading to brown tips and opening the door to disease. Sharpen your blade every 20-25 hours of use. It makes a huge difference.
8. Mulch Instead of Bagging
We recommend grass-cycling, e.g. letting clippings fall right back onto the lawn. Assuming your grass already stays at a maintained level, and you won’t be covering your lawn in an excessive manner, it’s a natural fertilizer that recycles nutrients and improves soil health. Plus, it saves you time and effort!
9. Manage Lawn Pests
Summertime brings out the worst pests: grubs, chinch bugs, sod webworms. We stay on top of pest issues through Integrated Pest Management (IPM) techniques, which emphasize prevention and minimal chemical use.
10. Prepare for Drought Conditions
With climate patterns changing, drought prep is a smart move. We encourage clients to water less often but more deeply to train deeper root growth. Overseeding with drought-tolerant varieties like certain fescues is also a good bet.
Summer Lawn Care in New Jersey isn’t about working harder—it’s about working smarter. At PHR Landscapes, we’ve seen the results when homeowners and pros alike tailor their approach to the seasons and the local conditions.
Follow these summer lawn maintenance tips, and you’ll set your yard up for success now and into the fall. And if you ever need a hand, you know who to call!
Lawn Care in Scotch Plains, Fanwood, Westfield and Surrounding Areas
Looking for quality landscape maintenance in Scotch Plains, NJ? From Weekly Lawn Care to Seasonal Cleanups, PHR Landscapes is here to help your yard thrive.
👉 Contact us today for a free consultation.
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Phone: (908) 322-6500
Email: [email protected]
1590 E. 2nd Street, Scotch Plains, NJ 07076