5 Common Lawn Care Mistakes to Avoid in July
July brings peak summer heat, long days, and plenty of lawn care challenges. While it’s tempting to treat your yard the same way all season long, this time of year calls for extra attention and care. Many homeowners unknowingly make mistakes in July that can lead to brown patches, weed infestations, or even long-term damage.
At Rooted Lawn & Landscape, we help property owners in Carmel, IN keep their lawns looking healthy through even the hottest months. Here are five common lawn care mistakes to avoid in July and what to do instead.
Mowing Too Short
One of the most frequent mistakes we see is mowing the grass too low during hot weather. While a shorter cut may look clean at first, it actually weakens the grass and exposes the soil to sun damage.
Why It’s a Problem:
Increases water evaporation from the soil
Makes grass more prone to heat stress
Encourages weed growth by weakening turf
Tip: Set your mower height to 3–4 inches to protect your lawn and keep it more resilient in the summer heat.
Watering at the Wrong Time
Watering in the middle of the day is a common mistake that leads to quick evaporation and wasted effort. Watering too late at night, on the other hand, leaves moisture sitting on the grass, which can lead to fungal issues.
Best Practice:
Water early in the morning (between 5 AM and 9 AM)
Aim for deep, infrequent watering (2–3 times per week)
Ensure the water soaks 6–8 inches into the soil
Proper timing and technique go a long way in keeping your lawn hydrated and healthy.
Overusing Fertilizer
Fertilizer can support healthy growth, but too much in the middle of summer can burn your lawn and stress it further. July is typically not the best time for heavy fertilizing.
What to Do Instead:
Use slow-release or organic fertilizers sparingly
Focus on soil health and watering consistency
Consider a professional soil test before adding nutrients
Avoid overfeeding your lawn when it’s already under heat stress.
Ignoring Weeds
Weeds thrive in stressed or under-maintained lawns and July is a prime time for them to take over. Ignoring weeds now only makes the problem worse later in the season.
Prevention Tips:
Spot-treat weeds early to prevent spreading
Maintain a thick, healthy lawn to crowd them out
Mulch flower beds to reduce weed seed germination
Staying ahead of weeds now means less work later.
Skipping Routine Maintenance
During hot months, it’s easy to neglect lawn care altogether. But skipping basic maintenance like edging, debris removal, and regular mowing can quickly lead to a messy and unhealthy lawn.
Don’t Forget:
Sharpen mower blades regularly for clean cuts
Remove grass clippings and debris to prevent thatch buildup
Keep edges neat and trimmed for a finished look
Even simple, consistent care makes a big difference.
Why Choose Rooted Lawn & Landscape?
At Rooted Lawn & Landscape, we help homeowners in Carmel, IN avoid these common mistakes with expert lawn mowing, property maintenance, watering guidance, and more.
Our team knows how to care for lawns during peak summer conditions, keeping them healthy, full, and green.
Get Expert Lawn Care This July
July can be tough on your lawn, but avoiding these common mistakes will help keep your yard in great shape. Need help staying on top of your lawn care routine?
Contact Rooted Lawn & Landscape at (463) 363-3779 to schedule reliable, professional service and beat the summer heat the right way!
