As this year is providing, summer in Massachusetts can be unpredictable, sweltering one week and stormy the next. For homeowners in Newton and surrounding towns, maintaining a healthy lawn through it all can feel like a full-time job. Between dry spells, foot traffic, and rising temperatures, your grass needs a little extra attention to stay green and resilient. Luckily, you have the team at Cataldo Landscaping & Masonry to help you out with lawn care in Newton, MA, this summer.
Improve your lawn care in Newton, MA, with these tips from our team of pros. We’ll help your lawn survive and thrive through the summer heat.
Water Wisely, Not Just Frequently
It’s tempting to grab the hose every evening and give the lawn a quick sprinkle, but that can actually do more harm than good. Shallow watering encourages shallow roots, making grass more vulnerable to heat and drought. Instead, aim for deep, infrequent watering, ideally 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week, delivered in one or two sessions. Early morning is best, between 4 a.m. and 9 a.m., to minimize evaporation and fungal growth.
Irrigation systems and soil moisture sensors can help ensure your lawn gets exactly what it needs without wasting water, especially useful during Newton’s increasingly hot, dry summers.
Mow High and Often
During the summer months, raise your mower blades. Taller grass (around 3 inches) shades the soil, helping it retain moisture and reduce weed growth. Mowing too short (also called scalping) can stress the lawn and make it more prone to sunburn and dehydration. Also, keep mower blades sharp. Dull blades tear rather than cut, leaving grass vulnerable to disease and turning it brown at the tips.
Don’t Forget to Mulch
Mulching your lawn clippings instead of bagging them returns valuable nutrients to the soil. This “grasscycling” method acts as a natural fertilizer, promoting healthier growth without additional chemicals.
If you’re mulching garden beds or flower borders, use organic mulch like bark or shredded leaves to regulate soil temperature and reduce the need for constant watering. Just be sure to keep mulch a few inches away from plant stems to prevent rot.
Avoid Heavy Fertilization in the Heat
While fertilizing is essential for healthy turf, applying chemical fertilizers during peak summer heat can actually damage your lawn. The combination of high nitrogen levels and intense sun may burn the grass and lead to patchy spots.
If needed, choose a slow-release, low-nitrogen formula and wait for a cooler stretch to apply it. Fall is typically a better time for a full feeding schedule, giving your lawn the nutrients it needs to recover and prepare for winter.
Watch for Signs of Heat Stress
Discoloration, wilting, and footprints that linger on your lawn longer than usual are all signs your grass is under stress. Brown patches may be a sign of dormancy (which is natural during dry spells), but they could also indicate fungal disease or pest damage.
Regular inspections can help you catch issues early. A lawn care professional can determine whether your grass is simply overheated or if there’s a deeper issue below the surface.
Minimize Lawn Traffic
When your lawn is heat-stressed, it’s more vulnerable to damage from heavy use. Try to rotate play areas, use stepping stones for high-traffic paths, and hold off on big gatherings when the lawn is already under strain.
Letting grass rest during hot periods can help it recover more quickly when temperatures drop and moisture levels improve.
Aerate Strategically
Core aeration is a great way to reduce soil compaction and improve water and nutrient absorption, but it’s best done in early fall or late spring — not the middle of a hot, dry summer. If your lawn shows signs of compacted soil (such as pooling water or patchy growth), schedule aeration once the weather cools.
Local Experience Makes the Difference to Lawn Care in Newton, MA
Each yard in Massachusetts has its microclimate, soil conditions, and shade patterns. At Cataldo Landscaping, we understand that proper lawn care is never one-size-fits-all. From adjusting watering schedules to fine-tuning mowing heights, our team provides tailored solutions that keep lawns healthy all season long.
For those seeking dependable lawn care in Newton, MA, homeowners can rely on our experience with local weather patterns and soil conditions, which makes all the difference.