Late Summer Lawn Care: Keep Your Grass Green and Healthy

Late summer lawn care in Florida means smart watering, careful mowing, light fertilizing, and monitoring for pests or disease. Aeration and overseeding can help strengthen your grass, setting the stage for a healthy, vibrant lawn as fall approaches.

Late summer in Florida can be a tough time of year for your lawn. With intense heat, high humidity, and frequent tropical downpours, the Sunshine State’s climate makes maintaining a healthy yard dependent on seasonal attention.

Now is the perfect time to shift your lawn care routine to prepare your grass for a strong finish to the growing season—and a healthy start next spring.

1. Water Smart, Not More

Florida’s summer rains can be deceiving. While it may seem like your lawn is getting enough water, inconsistent rainfall can lead to shallow root growth and stress. The key is deep, infrequent watering. Aim to water your lawn early in the morning—ideally between 4 and 8 a.m.—to allow moisture to soak into the soil before the sun evaporates it. Your lawn needs about 1 inch of water per week, whether from rainfall or irrigation.

2. Mow with Care

Avoid mowing grass blades too short in late summer. Taller grass blades provide shade for the roots and help retain soil moisture, which is critical during hot, sunny days. For most Florida grasses, such as St. Augustine, Bahia, or Zoysia, maintain a mowing height of 3 to 4 inches. Make sure your mower blades are sharp to avoid shredding the grass tips, which can make the lawn vulnerable to pests and disease.

3. Fertilize Strategically

Late summer is not the time for heavy fertilization in Florida. Over-fertilizing can burn your grass and contribute to nutrient runoff during storms. Instead, apply a slow-release fertilizer with a balanced mix of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium—unless your local regulations prohibit summer applications (as many Florida counties do to protect waterways). If fertilizing is allowed, follow label instructions carefully and consider a soil test to ensure you’re only adding what your lawn truly needs.

4. Watch for Pests and Diseases

Warm, wet conditions are ideal for chinch bugs, sod webworms, and fungal diseases like brown patch or dollar spot. Keep an eye out for irregular brown patches, thinning areas, or visible insects. Spot-treat small infestations with targeted solutions, and avoid broad-spectrum pesticides unless absolutely necessary. Maintain proper mowing and watering habits to prevent issues before they start.

5. Aerate and Overseed if Needed

If your lawn looks thin or compacted, late summer can be a good time to aerate warm-season grasses before growth slows in the fall. Aeration helps loosen compacted soil and improve water and nutrient absorption. Follow up with overseeding in patchy areas to encourage thicker, more resilient turf.

6. Prepare for the Transition to Fall

As summer winds down, gradually reduce the frequency of mowing and irrigation. This helps your lawn harden off and get ready for the cooler months ahead. Keeping it slightly taller going into fall can also improve root strength and resilience.

With a few simple adjustments, you can keep your lawn looking its best even in Florida’s steamy late summer. A little attention now will pay off in a greener, stronger yard that weathers the seasons ahead.