July Lawn Tip: Skip the Nitrogen! đż
âď¸ July Grass Care: Why Less Is More
Itâs hot out there, Denver. And your grass is feeling it too. July is the peak of summer stress for lawns, and itâs not the time to push your grass to perform like itâs spring. If your lawnâs looking a little slower or thinner latelyâdonât panic! Thatâs totally normal. Letâs talk about why, and how to care for it right now. đż
đŤ Hold the Nitrogen!
Fertilizing in July? Be careful. Nitrogen-rich fertilizers are like energy drinks for grassâthey push fast, lush growth. But in extreme heat, that can actually hurt your lawn.
Too much nitrogen + high heat = scorched, stressed grass. You might see yellowing tips, burned patches, or even disease. If you must fertilize this month, choose a slow-release, low-nitrogen blendâor better yet, wait until temps cool off in late summer. Your lawn will thank you. đ
đą Grass Grows Slower in the Heat
Spring and early fall are prime time for grass growth. In the middle of summer, most turf types (especially cool-season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass or fescue) naturally slow down. Thatâs because:
Soil dries out faster
Heat stress limits growth
The grass is conserving energy
Donât worry if your lawn isnât as thick or green as it was in Mayâitâs just taking a breather.
đŚ Smart Watering & Mowing Tips
Even though grass isnât growing fast, it still needs care. Hereâs what to do:
Water deep and early: Aim for 1" of water per week, preferably all at once. Early morning is best to avoid evaporation.
Raise your mower height: Taller grass shades the soil, holds moisture better, and keeps roots cooler. We recommend mowing at 3" or higher this time of year.
Skip the harsh stuff: No herbicides, pesticides, or synthetic fertilizers in the heatâtheyâre more likely to damage than help right now.
đż Let Your Lawn Rest
Think of July lawn care as maintenance, not makeover. Youâre helping your grass survive the heat, not forcing it to thrive. Come late August and early September, your lawn will bounce back with a little help from cooler weather and a well-timed overseed or soil boost.
Until then, mow high, water smart, skip the nitrogen, and stay cool. đđą
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Need help adjusting your lawn care plan for summer?
Oak & Canyon offers safe, organic, all-electric yard care tailored to Denverâs heat and soil.
đ (720) 878-5435 | đ oakandcanyon.com