Louisiana’s summers are no joke—scorching temperatures, high humidity, and intense sun exposure can quickly turn a healthy lawn into a patchy, brown mess. But with the right strategy and consistent care, it’s absolutely possible to maintain a lush, green lawn throughout the season. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or working with a landscape company in Metairie, this guide will help you beat the heat and keep your grass thriving all summer long.
Choose the Right Grass for the Climate
The foundation of any resilient lawn in Louisiana starts with the right type of grass. Warm-season varieties thrive in our hot, humid climate and are naturally more drought- and heat-tolerant. Common options like St. Augustine, Bermuda, Zoysia, and Centipede grass are popular choices for Louisiana yards because of their ability to withstand direct sunlight and recover from stress. If you’re starting a new lawn or considering sod installation, choosing the right turf can make long-term maintenance much easier.
Water Deeply—but Not Too Often
A major mistake homeowners make is watering their lawns too frequently and too lightly. Shallow watering leads to shallow root systems, which can’t access moisture deeper in the soil during dry spells. Instead, water your lawn deeply and infrequently—about 1 to 1.5 inches per week, ideally in the early morning before the sun is at full strength. Early morning watering allows the grass to absorb moisture before it evaporates and reduces the risk of fungal growth.
If you’re unsure how to set your irrigation system or optimize your schedule, partnering with a professional landscape company in Metairie like Bayou Verde ensures your system is tailored to your lawn’s specific needs.
Adjust Your Mowing Practices
Proper mowing during the summer is more important than many homeowners realize. Avoid cutting your grass too short, especially in peak heat. Keeping your mower blade higher (around 2.5 to 4 inches depending on the grass type) allows for deeper root growth, improved moisture retention, and better overall turf health. Also, always mow with sharp blades to prevent tearing the grass and avoid mowing during the hottest part of the day.
Leaving the clippings on your lawn can also help retain moisture and return nutrients to the soil—a process called grasscycling.
Fertilize Smartly and Safely
While spring is the most common time to fertilize, applying a slow-release fertilizer during early summer can help sustain your lawn through the toughest months. Avoid over-fertilizing, as too much nitrogen can stress grass in high temperatures and make it more susceptible to pests or disease. A soil test can help you determine what nutrients your lawn really needs before adding any products.
Bayou Verde offers customized fertilization schedules to support your lawn’s growth without pushing it too hard during the summer heat.
Keep Weeds and Pests Under Control
A stressed lawn is more vulnerable to invasive weeds, insects, and fungal problems. Stay proactive by using pre-emergent herbicides early in the season and spot-treating weeds as they pop up. Chinch bugs and armyworms are common Louisiana lawn pests that can quickly destroy patches of turf. Regular inspection, especially during dry spells, can help you catch issues early.
Professional landscape maintenance ensures that pest and weed control is handled as part of a broader lawn health strategy, not just as a one-time fix.
Improve Soil and Drainage Conditions
Even the best lawn care routine can be undermined by poor soil or drainage issues. Compacted soil, for example, prevents roots from accessing air and water. Aerating your lawn in the spring or early summer helps break up compaction and promotes better nutrient absorption. Likewise, areas of poor drainage can lead to standing water and fungus, especially after summer storms.
Bayou Verde provides drainage solutions and soil improvement services to ensure your lawn isn’t just surviving—but thriving.
Mulch and Shade Strategically
While turf areas need sunlight, bare spots near trees or buildings can become heat traps. Use mulch in beds and shaded spots to regulate soil temperature and retain moisture. Consider planting drought-tolerant groundcovers or strategically placed shrubs to reduce sun exposure on the most vulnerable areas.
Don’t Let the Heat Win
Keeping your lawn green through the heat of a Louisiana summer takes more than just watering—it requires a combination of smart planning, seasonal adjustments, and ongoing care. As a trusted landscape company in Metairie, Bayou Verde helps homeowners protect their investment and enjoy beautiful outdoor spaces year-round.
Ready to upgrade your lawn care strategy? Contact Bayou Verde today to schedule your personalized lawn consultation and beat the heat with confidence!