Summer in Nevada brings hot days, dry conditions, and plenty of challenges for keeping your lawn green and healthy. But with the right care and a few smart strategies, your turf can thrive all season long. Here’s everything you need to know for successful summer lawn care in Nevada. Use these tips for established lawns that have been planted for longer than one season.

1. Water Wisely: Deep and Early Is Key

Nevada’s dry heat means watering is essential, but how and when you water makes all the difference. The best time to water your lawn is early in the morning — before 9 a.m. — when temperatures are cooler and evaporation rates are low. Aim for about 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week, applied deeply in one or two sessions rather than frequent shallow watering. This encourages roots to grow deeper, making your lawn more drought-tolerant.

Avoid watering in the afternoon or evening to reduce water loss and prevent fungal diseases. If you see that water is puddling or if you have a slope and water is running off, reduce your watering time and stagger the clock to start 2 or 3 different times during your watering day to promote deeper watering. This is called “cycle and soak” which will allow the water to soak in to your root zone. If you are in a very windy zone and require watering at night, water very early in the morning before sunrise to reduce bad fungus in the lawn.

2. Mow Smart: Keep Grass Taller

During summer, raise your mower blade to keep grass around 3 to 4 inches tall. Taller grass shades the soil, helping retain moisture and protect roots from the scorching Nevada sun. Cutting grass too short can stress your lawn, leading to brown patches and weed invasion.

Also, try to mow when the grass is dry to get a clean cut and avoid clumping. Always mow frequently and do not cut more than one third of the leaf blade at one time. This will reduce excessive lawn clippings and keep the root crown shaded during the heat of the summer. Keep your mower blade sharp to cleanly cut the leaf blades. A dull blade will tend to shred the leaf edges and promote disease stress.

3. Fertilize Carefully: Slow and Steady Wins

Summer is not the time for heavy feeding. Use a slow-release fertilizer or organic compost to provide nutrients gradually without burning your lawn. Over-fertilizing in heat can stress the grass and promote disease stress. We carry a summer blend of fertilizer that contains iron to promote the dark color while holding back on over fertilization.

Top dressing with compost is an organic method that not only feeds your lawn but also improves soil health, helping it retain moisture better during dry spells.

4. Manage Weeds Early

Warm-season weeds like crabgrass and spurge can quickly take over if not managed. Keep an eye out for these invaders and remove them promptly by hand-pulling or spot treatments safe for your turf. Regular mowing also helps prevent weeds from going to seed.

5. Consider “No-Mow Zones” for Pollinators

Allowing small patches of native wildflowers or clover to grow in your lawn provides vital habitats for pollinators such as bees and butterflies, which are crucial for Nevada’s ecosystems. These “no-mow zones” also reduce lawn maintenance and add natural beauty to your yard.

6. Inspect Irrigation Systems

Before peak summer heat, check your irrigation system for leaks, broken sprinkler heads, or misaligned nozzles. Efficient watering saves water and ensures every inch of your lawn gets the moisture it needs. If you are experiencing some hot spots in your lawn, perform the can test on your sprinkler system. Find several cups/cans that are the same size (tuna cans work nicely). Place them in various parts of the lawn that you want to measure that are in the dry spots and the lush spots. Run the system for 20 minutes and measure each cup. If you are finding areas that have lower water levels, check to see if the nozzle or screen is clogged, or possibly changing to a larger nozzle size.

7. Prepare for Dormancy

In extreme heat and drought, some turf types naturally go dormant to survive. This means grass may turn brown temporarily but will bounce back when conditions improve. During dormancy, reduce watering and avoid fertilizing to prevent unnecessary stress.

Summer lawn care in Nevada requires a balance of smart watering, mowing, and feeding practices tailored to the local climate. By following these tips, you can keep your lawn healthy, water-wise, and looking great throughout the hottest months.

For more advice, native plant ideas, and pollinator-friendly options, be sure to check out Bonsai Blue, our sister company dedicated to sustainable gardening solutions.

Summer Lawn Care Tips for a Healthy Nevada Lawn