Summers in Texas can be brutal—with scorching temperatures, dry spells, and relentless sun. While sod is a fast and beautiful solution for a new lawn, keeping it healthy through the summer requires the right care and timing.

If you’ve been wondering how to keep your sod healthy in summer, this blog is your go-to guide. Whether you’ve just installed fresh sod or want to keep your established lawn thriving, these tips from Texas Sod Pros will help.

☀️ Why Summer is Tough on Sod

Even the healthiest lawns struggle in the heat without proper care. During summer, your sod may experience:

• Dehydration and drought stress
• Increased evaporation
• Scorch marks from improper mowing
• Weed and pest pressure
• Thinning and discoloration from sunburn

But with the right strategy, you can protect your investment and keep your yard looking fresh all season long.

💧 1. Water Deeply and Early

Your sod needs deep, consistent watering to survive the heat.

• Water in the early morning (between 5–9 AM) to reduce evaporation
• Aim for 1–1.5 inches of water per week, broken into 2–3 watering sessions
• Avoid shallow watering—it encourages weak root growth
• Watch for runoff and adjust times if water is pooling or wasted

If you’re unsure how much water your lawn is getting, place a cup in the yard and measure it after a full watering cycle.

✂️ 2. Mow High, Not Low

During summer, longer grass blades shade the soil and help retain moisture.

• Set your mower to a higher setting—especially for St. Augustine or Zoysia
• Keep blades sharp to prevent ripping the grass
• Never cut more than ⅓ of the blade height at once
• Mow in the coolest part of the day to reduce lawn stress

🌿 3. Fertilize Strategically

Avoid heavy fertilizing in the hottest part of summer, but a slow-release, balanced fertilizer can support healthy growth. Always water afterward and avoid applying in extreme heat unless directed by a lawn care expert.

🛠️ 4. Monitor for Problems

Summer heat can mask bigger issues like pests or fungus. Watch for:

• Discoloration or odd spotting
• Mushy or dry patches even after watering
• Increased weed growth in thin spots

If you notice any of these signs, Texas Sod Pros can provide guidance on whether patch repair or treatment is needed.

🧼 Bonus: Reduce Foot Traffic

New sod especially needs time to establish roots. In extreme heat, even light foot traffic can stress the grass. Create designated walkways or avoid frequent activity until temperatures drop.

🌱 Let Texas Sod Pros Help Your Lawn Thrive

We don’t just install sod—we help you keep it healthy. Our services include:

• Full sod installation
• Lawn replacement
• Patch repair
• Seasonal guidance and watering tips
• Free estimates for any size yard

Our team knows how Texas weather works—and how to build lawns that last through it.

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