July Lawn Care Guide for a Healthy Lawn
- Evergreen Lawn Care
- Jul 3
- 3 min read
July is the heart of summer—and your lawn is feeling the heat just like you. Whether you're battling brown spots, thirsty grass, or pesky weeds, now is the time to stay on top of your lawn game. I’ve put together this July lawn care guide to help you keep your turf green, healthy, and thriving through the hottest stretch of the season.
🌿 1. Watering: Timing Is Everything
In the heat of July, watering becomes a critical task—but more doesn’t always mean better.
✅ My Watering Tips:
Early morning is best (between 4 a.m. and 9 a.m.) to reduce evaporation and fungal risk.
Water deeply, not frequently—aim for 1 to 1.5 inches per week, including rainfall.
Use a soil moisture meter or screwdriver test to ensure water reaches 6 inches deep.
If you're in a drought-prone region like Southern California, consider a smart irrigation controller (I use Rachio) to automate watering efficiently.
Check out our watering technique guide for summer.
A lawn sprinkler gently waters the lush green grass, creating a refreshing arc of droplets against a backdrop of trees.
🌱 2. Fertilization: Don’t Overdo It
July is not the time to go heavy on fertilizers—especially synthetic ones. Overfeeding your lawn in hot weather can burn the grass and stress it even more.
💡 What I Recommend:
For cool-season grasses (like fescue, bluegrass): Hold off fertilizing until fall.
For warm-season grasses (like Bermuda, zoysia): Apply a slow-release nitrogen fertilizer early in July if needed.
Use compost tea or liquid seaweed for a gentle nutrient boost without heat stress.
🌾 3. Mowing: Cut High, Cut Smart
How you mow in July can make or break your lawn’s ability to withstand summer stress.
✂️ My Mowing Tips for July:
Raise the mower height: 3–4 inches for cool-season grass; 2–2.5 inches for warm-season.
Never remove more than 1/3 of the grass blade at a time.
Keep mower blades sharp—dull blades tear grass and increase water loss.
Leave the clippings! They return nutrients and act as natural mulch.
Check out our best mowing practices for each season
A lawn mower in action, smoothly cutting through vibrant green grass on a sunny day.
🌿 4. Weed Control: Stay on Top of It
With higher temperatures and summer watering, weeds like crabgrass, spurge, and oxalis can spread fast.
🧹 How I Handle Weeds:
Hand-pull or spot-treat weeds early before they go to seed.
Use a post-emergent herbicide labeled for your grass type if needed.
For organic control, try a vinegar-based weed spray (careful—it’ll damage grass if misapplied).
Apply mulch around borders to reduce weed pressure in lawn edges and beds.
5 most common Weeds and how to control them.

🐛 5. Pest Watch: Be on Grub Patrol
July is when beetles start laying eggs, and grub larvae hatch soon after, feeding on grassroots.
🔍 Pest Monitoring & Control:
Watch for brown, thinning patches and increased bird or raccoon activity.
Dig a few small holes to check for grubs. If you find more than 5–10 per square foot, treat.
Apply GrubEx or BioAdvanced for preventive control in early July.
I prefer beneficial nematodes or milky spore powder for organic control—they’re safe for kids, pets, and pollinators.
For more information on check out our grub control guide.
A patch of yellow grass in the lawn indicates a grub infestation, leading to damage and discoloration amidst the healthy green turf.
✅ Bonus July Lawn Care Tips
Aeration: If your lawn is compacted and you didn’t aerate in spring, consider light aeration—just avoid heavy-duty aeration in extreme heat.
Monitor for fungus: High humidity and overwatering can lead to fungal problems like dollar spot or brown patch. Water early and improve airflow.
Edge and tidy up: Keep your lawn looking sharp by trimming borders and cleaning up sidewalks or patios.
🌞 Final Thoughts
Taking care of your lawn in July is all about smart, consistent care. Focus on deep watering, light feeding, careful mowing, and keeping pests and weeds under control. With a little attention now, your lawn can stay lush and healthy—even when the temps soar.
Let me know how your lawn’s holding up this summer or drop a question in the comments—I’m happy to help troubleshoot!
Comments