Summer Lawn Care: Do's and Don'ts

Summer Lawn Care in Boise Idaho

Summer Lawn Care in Boise Idaho - Safari Lawn Care

Summer in Boise can be brutal on your lawn. While we’re reaching for something cold and looking for shade, your grass is out there getting scorched. But just because it’s hot doesn’t mean your yard has to turn into a patchy mess. A few smart tweaks to your lawn care routine can go a long way in keeping things green and healthy through the season.


Here are some do's and don'ts to help your grass thrive during these hot, dry months.

DO: Simple Things That Make a Big Difference

Water Deep, Not Often
Skip the daily light sprinkling. It’s tempting, but it doesn’t do your lawn much good. Instead, aim for a solid soak once or twice a week—about 1 to 1.5 inches total. Water early in the morning to give it time to absorb before the sun heats things up.


Raise the Mower Blade
Cutting your grass too short during summer stresses it out. Mow high to help the soil stay cooler and keep moisture from evaporating too fast. As a rule of thumb, don’t cut off more than a third of the blade at a time.


Leave the Clippings
Those grass clippings? Let them stay on the lawn. They break down fast and return nutrients back into the soil—free fertilizer with zero extra work.


Aerate When Needed
If the soil feels compacted or water isn’t soaking in like it should, it might be time to aerate. This opens up the ground so water and nutrients can reach the roots better. You can rent a machine or hire someone to do it—it’s quick and effective.


Patch Bare Spots with Seed
Got thin patches? Late summer into early fall is a great time to overseed. Pick a seed mix that works for the Boise climate and give those sad areas a second chance

Summer Lawn Care Do's and Don'ts by Safari Lawn Care in Boise Idaho


Fertilize, But Take It Easy
Your lawn still needs nutrients, but don’t go heavy with
fertilizer when it’s blazing hot. A slow-release summer-friendly option is your best bet—especially if you’ve done a soil test and know what your lawn actually needs.

Water Deep, Not Often
Skip the daily light
sprinkling. It’s tempting, but it doesn’t do your lawn much good. Instead, aim for a solid soak once or twice a week—about 1 to 1.5 inches total. Water early in the morning to give it time to absorb before the sun heats things up.


Raise the Mower Blade
Cutting your grass too short during summer stresses it out.
Mow high to help the soil stay cooler and keep moisture from evaporating too fast. As a rule of thumb, don’t cut off more than a third of the blade at a time.


Leave the Clippings
Those grass clippings? Let them stay on the lawn. They break down fast and return nutrients back into the soil—free fertilizer with zero extra work.

Summer Lawn Care Do's and Don'ts

Fertilize, But Take It Easy
Your lawn still needs nutrients, but don’t go heavy with
fertilizer when it’s blazing hot. A slow-release summer-friendly option is your best bet—especially if you’ve done a soil test and know what your lawn actually needs.

Aerate When Needed
If the soil feels compacted or water isn’t soaking in like it should, it might be time to
aerate. This opens up the ground so water and nutrients can reach the roots better. You can rent a machine or hire someone to do it—it’s quick and effective.



Patch Bare Spots with Seed
Got thin patches? Late summer into early fall is a great time to overseed. Pick a seed mix that works for the Boise climate and give those sad areas a second chance.

DON’T: Common Mistakes That Hurt Your Lawn

Don’t Water Too Much
More water isn’t always better. Overwatering can cause soggy roots and even bring on lawn disease. Stick to your deep, once-or-twice-a-week watering schedule and let the soil dry a bit in between.


Don’t Mow Too Short
Scalping the grass opens the door to weeds and heat stress. Taller grass helps shade the soil, which means it holds moisture better and stays healthier overall.



Don’t Load Up on Fertilizer
High-nitrogen, quick-release fertilizers are risky in the heat—they can burn your grass. If you fertilize, use the right product and apply sparingly.


Don’t Ignore Weeds
If you leave weeds alone, they’ll spread fast. Grab them while they’re small, or spot-treat with a product that won’t damage your lawn. Staying on top of it now saves a lot of work later.


Don’t Use a Dull Mower Blade
A dull blade shreds the grass instead of cutting it cleanly, which leaves the edges brown and frayed. Give your mower blade a sharpen every so often—it really does make a difference.


Don’t Walk on Wet Grass
Wet grass is delicate and easily damaged. If your lawn’s just been watered or it rained recently, give it a break from foot traffic to avoid compacting the soil underneath.

Boise Lawns Just Need a Bit of Summer Strategy

You don’t need to do anything fancy—just focus on a few solid habits that work well in Boise’s dry, hot summers. Water deep, mow high, skip the overkill on fertilizer, and keep an eye out for weeds and compaction. A little attention now can keep your lawn looking great well into fall.


And if you’re ever unsure about what your lawn really needs? Reaching out to local lawn care companies like Safari Lawn Care for professional lawn care services in Boise can help you get advice that fits our climate perfectly. Our team specializes in Boise’s unique conditions, offering simple, effective solutions so you can enjoy a healthy lawn without the hassle.


Take care of your lawn now, and you’ll be enjoying soft, cool grass underfoot all summer long.

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