GreenMaker Blog

How to Keep Your Lawn Healthy Through the Heat of Late Summer in Northwest Indiana

The dog days of summer have officially arrived in Northwest Indiana. With temperatures soaring, humidity climbing, and rainstorms coming and going unpredictably, your lawn is under serious stress. You might be noticing brown spots, wilting grass blades, or even an outbreak of crabgrass and other stubborn weeds.

At Greenmaker Lawn Care, we understand the challenges homeowners face during late July and early August. This is a critical time of year: your lawn is tired, but fall recovery is right around the corner. Here’s what you can do right now to keep your yard healthy — and set it up for success in the fall.

πŸ”₯ Common Late-Summer Lawn Problems in NWI

If your lawn isn’t looking its best, you’re not alone. Here are the most common issues we’re seeing across Lake and Porter counties:

  • Heat and drought stress: Grass turns brown or brittle when it lacks deep, consistent moisture.
  • Weed takeover: Warm-season weeds like crabgrass, spurge, and nutsedge thrive in these conditions.
  • Fungal diseases: High humidity and poor air circulation can lead to brown patch and leaf spot.
  • Traffic damage: Backyard BBQs, games, and foot traffic can thin out already stressed areas.

🌿 Greenmaker’s Pro Tips to Protect Your Lawn

Here’s how to keep your lawn strong through the final stretch of summer:

1. Water Deeply — and Less Often

Aim to water 1 to 1.5 inches per week, ideally in early morning (before 9 AM) to reduce evaporation and fungal risk. Shallow, frequent watering promotes weak root systems and more drought stress.

2. Raise Your Mower Blades

Set your mower to 3.5–4 inches. Taller grass provides more shade to the roots and retains moisture better, which helps suppress weeds and reduce stress.

3. Hold Off on Heavy Fertilizing

Avoid nitrogen-heavy fertilizers during extreme heat. Instead, focus on soil health — or contact us for a custom summer-safe treatment plan.

4. Spot-Treat Weeds and Problem Areas

Avoid blanket herbicide treatments in the heat. Instead, spot-treat problem weeds and gently overseed bare spots (but save major seeding for fall).

5. Sharpen Your Blades

Dull mower blades tear grass instead of cutting it cleanly, increasing stress and the risk of disease.

🍁 Looking Ahead: Fall Lawn Recovery Starts Soon

Late summer is also the perfect time to schedule your fall lawn renovation services:

  • Core aeration
  • Overseeding
  • Fall fertilizer treatments

These services help your lawn recover from summer damage and prepare for a lush, healthy spring. But slots fill up fast — especially as school and holiday schedules approach.

βœ… Final Thoughts

Your lawn may be feeling the heat — but a few smart moves now can prevent long-term damage and give your grass the strong foundation it needs for the cooler months ahead.

At Greenmaker Lawn Care, we specialize in personalized lawn plans that match your yard’s unique needs and our unpredictable Northwest Indiana weather. Whether you’re dealing with brown patches, summer weeds, or planning for fall, we’ve got your back.

πŸ‘‰ Ready for a lawn checkup or want to book your fall services now? Contact us here.