How Columbus, Ohio Homeowners Can Keep Lawns Healthy Through the Heat
As summer sets in and temperatures climb across Columbus and Central Ohio, your lawn enters a critical phase. Hot, dry weather can take a toll on even the healthiest turf, leading to dull, brittle, or yellowing grass. But with a little planning and the right lawn care strategy, you can prevent drought damage and keep your yard looking green and vibrant—even through the toughest months.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through smart, practical summer lawn care tips tailored to our region’s climate, soil conditions, and common grass types. Whether you’re working with a small urban yard in Clintonville or a large suburban lawn in Dublin, these tips apply.
Why Summer Stress Happens
Most lawns in Columbus are made up of cool-season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass, tall fescue, and perennial ryegrass. These types thrive in spring and fall but tend to slow down or go dormant when summer heat and drought hit.
That dormancy can be temporary—but without proper care, extended stress can lead to permanent thinning, weed invasion, or even death of the turf.
1. Water Deeply, Not Frequently
Best practice: Apply 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week, including rainfall.
Instead of shallow daily watering, aim for 2–3 deep soakings per week. Deep watering encourages roots to grow down into the soil where they can access more moisture, making your lawn more drought-resilient over time.
Tips:
- Water early in the morning (between 4 a.m. and 9 a.m.) to reduce evaporation.
- Avoid evening watering, which can lead to fungus.
- Use a rain gauge or empty tuna can to measure sprinkler output.
2. Mow Smart, Not Short
Keep your mower blades high.
For most Ohio lawns, that means mowing to a height of 3 to 4 inches in summer.
Cutting grass too short—also known as “scalping”—exposes the soil to sunlight, increases evaporation, and stresses the grass.
Also:
- Mow when the grass is dry to avoid tearing the blades.
- Use sharp mower blades to reduce damage.
- Follow the “one-third rule”: never remove more than ⅓ of the grass height at once.
3. Use Mulching or Recycled Clippings
Leaving grass clippings on the lawn after mowing (mulching) helps retain soil moisture, return nutrients, and regulate soil temperature. This natural layer of organic matter acts as insulation for the root zone.
Don’t worry—if you’re mowing regularly and not letting the grass get too long, clippings won’t cause thatch buildup.
4. Aerate Compact Soil
Summer heat is tough enough—don’t make your grass fight for air and water too.
Why this matters in Columbus:
Much of our region has clay-heavy soil, which is prone to compaction—especially in high-traffic areas or after spring rains. Compacted soil prevents water from penetrating and limits root development.
Aerating once a year, ideally in fall, relieves compaction and boosts water absorption. If you skipped fall aeration, consider a light pass in early summer—just avoid doing it in the middle of a heatwave.
5. Apply a Summer Fertilizer (Carefully)
Many homeowners think fertilizer = greener grass. But in summer, overfertilizing or applying the wrong formula can burn your lawn and worsen drought stress.
For summer:
- Use a slow-release, low-nitrogen fertilizer (look for a product labeled as “summer-safe”).
- Apply only if your grass is actively growing and not dormant.
- Water thoroughly after applying to avoid scorching.
6. Let Grass Go Dormant (If Needed)
Believe it or not, letting your lawn go dormant during extreme drought is perfectly acceptable. Cool-season grasses can survive 3–6 weeks without water by entering a rest phase.
If you choose this route:
- Don’t fertilize or overwater during dormancy.
- Minimize foot traffic to avoid damaging fragile grass crowns.
- Once rain returns or cooler temperatures arrive, resume normal watering.
This is especially helpful for larger properties where irrigation may be impractical or expensive during dry stretches.
7. Watch for Early Signs of Stress
You don’t have to wait until your lawn turns yellow to act.
Signs your lawn is thirsty:
- Grass starts to curl or wilt
- Footprints or mower tracks stay visible
- Lawn color becomes dull or bluish-gray
These are early indicators that your lawn needs water—responding early can prevent the need for full-blown recovery later.
8. Treat for Surface Pests
Pests like chinch bugs and grubs become active in summer and can mimic or worsen drought symptoms. Yellow patches that peel up like carpet may point to grub damage, while dry-looking grass that doesn’t improve with watering may be from chinch bugs.
Professional lawn evaluations can help you catch pest issues early and prevent unnecessary watering or reseeding later.
9. Use a Rain Barrel or Smart Irrigation System
Looking to save water during dry months?
Install a rain barrel to collect runoff from your roof—it’s a simple, eco-friendly way to irrigate flower beds, shrubs, or dry lawn areas.
Or use a smart irrigation controller to automatically adjust watering based on weather conditions and soil moisture. Some models are eligible for rebates in certain Ohio municipalities.
10. Customize Your Care Based on Property Size
For smaller urban properties:
- Consider hand-watering or hose-end sprinklers for precise control
- Be mindful of runoff into sidewalks and driveways
- Raised beds or container plants may need even more frequent watering
For larger suburban or rural lots:
- Install zone-based irrigation for efficient water distribution
- Focus on priority areas (front lawn, high-use zones) during dry periods
- Consider drought-tolerant grass blends when overseeding in fall
Bonus Tip: Don’t Forget the Edges
Edges and sidewalks tend to dry out faster due to reflected heat and hardscape runoff. Give extra attention to:
- Lawn edges along pavement or patios
- South- or west-facing slopes
- Areas near downspouts or retaining walls
These “microclimates” often need more frequent watering or light mulching.
Final Thoughts: Stay Green Without Wasting Water
You don’t need to battle every dry patch or water your lawn daily to keep it healthy. By adjusting your mowing, watering, and fertilization habits, you can prepare your lawn to survive summer stress and thrive long after the heatwave ends.
Whether you’re a new homeowner or managing a multi-acre property outside Columbus, these tips help you strike the right balance between lawn health and sustainability.
Need help with drought-proofing your lawn this summer?
We offer:
- Seasonal fertilization plans
- Lawn aeration and soil testing
- Irrigation assessments
- Custom care programs for every yard size
Reach out to Mr. G Lawn & Landscape today to schedule your free appointment!
