How to Keep Your Lawn Green and Healthy During the Summer in Pittsburgh, PA

June 19, 2025
A large house with a lush green lawn and a tree in front of it

Summer in Pittsburgh, PA brings sunshine, heat, and the occasional heavy rain—conditions that can stress even the healthiest lawns. If you want to maintain a lush, green lawn through the summer months, proper care is key. At CS Landcare, we specialize in summer lawn care in Pittsburgh, helping homeowners and businesses keep their grass thriving no matter the forecast.

Here’s your expert guide to keeping your lawn green and healthy all summer long.


β˜€οΈ 1. Water Smart, Not Hard

One of the most common mistakes in summer lawn care is overwatering or watering at the wrong time.

βœ… Best Practices for Watering:

  • Early morning (5am–9am) is ideal—this reduces evaporation and allows grass to absorb moisture
  • Water deeply but infrequently: 1–1.5 inches per week, including rainfall
  • Avoid watering in the evening—wet grass overnight can lead to fungal disease

πŸ’§ Install a smart irrigation system or timer for consistent, efficient watering.


βœ‚οΈ 2. Mow High, Not Low

Scalping your grass in the summer is a sure way to turn it brown.

πŸ”§ Lawn Mowing Tips:

  • Set your mower blade to 3–3.5 inches for most Pittsburgh grass types like Kentucky bluegrass or fescue
  • Mow only the top third of the blade at a time
  • Keep mower blades sharp to avoid tearing grass
  • Leave clippings on the lawn as natural mulch (aka “grasscycling”)

🌿 Taller grass shades the soil, reducing evaporation and preventing weeds from sprouting.


πŸ§ͺ 3. Fertilize Carefully

Too much fertilizer in the summer heat can burn your lawn. The right approach boosts growth and color.

πŸ§‘‍🌾 Fertilization Strategy:

  • Use a slow-release, nitrogen-rich fertilizer suitable for summer application
  • Consider a mid-summer lawn boost in early July
  • Avoid fertilizing right before heavy rain or heatwaves

πŸ“… Pro Tip: Pair fertilization with a professional lawn analysis for optimal results.


🌾 4. Aerate and Overseed (Late Summer)

While early fall is ideal, late summer lawn aeration can help reduce soil compaction and prepare grass for autumn growth.

Benefits:

  • Improves water, nutrient, and oxygen absorption
  • Encourages deeper root development
  • Prepares lawn for overseeding with drought-resistant blends

🚜 Ask CS Landcare about core aeration services in Pittsburgh to enhance summer performance.


🐜 5. Watch for Weeds, Pests, and Disease

Summer heat brings more than sun—it also brings unwanted guests.

What to Look For:

  • Brown patches: could be grubs or fungal disease
  • Bare spots or chewed grass blades: often caused by chinch bugs or armyworms
  • Clover, crabgrass, or dandelions: treat with post-emergent herbicides or natural weed control

🧴 A professional lawn pest control treatment can stop damage before it spreads.


🌀️ 6. Adjust to Pittsburgh’s Summer Weather

Pittsburgh summers include:

  • High humidity
  • Temperature swings
  • Occasional droughts and downpours

Adapt your care plan based on weekly weather conditions. Local lawn care experts like CS Landcare understand the microclimates across the Pittsburgh region, from Mount Lebanon to Monroeville.


πŸ‘¨‍🌾 Trust CS Landcare – Your Summer Lawn Experts in Pittsburgh, PA

At CS Landcare, we provide custom lawn care programs tailored to your property and Pittsburgh’s unique climate. Our summer lawn services include:

  • Weekly mowing and edging
  • Lawn fertilization and weed control
  • Pest and disease treatments
  • Core aeration and overseeding
  • Irrigation consultation

We make it easy to enjoy a thick, healthy, and green lawn—even during the toughest summer heat.


πŸ“ž Ready for a Greener Lawn This Summer?

Contact CS Landcare in Pittsburgh, PA today to schedule your free lawn care estimate or request a summer lawn care consultation. Call us at (412) 616-4488.