Late summer can be a tricky time for lawns in Virginia, and small missteps can quickly take a toll.
I’ve seen perfectly green yards start to struggle from things like watering at the wrong time or cutting the grass too short. A little awareness and care now can keep your lawn looking its best all season.
Avoiding these common pitfalls will make a big difference for your yard’s health.
1. Mowing Too Short
Giving your lawn a military-style buzz cut during late summer heat stresses grass tremendously. Virginia’s hot August sun can quickly scorch those closely-cropped blades.
Keep your mower blade at 3-4 inches high instead. Taller grass develops deeper roots, shades the soil better, and withstands drought more effectively – essential for surviving those final brutal weeks of Virginia summer.
2. Watering at Midday
Sprinklers running at noon might seem productive, but most of that precious water evaporates before reaching the roots. Virginia’s summer humidity only compounds this wasteful practice.
Early morning watering (5-9 AM) allows moisture to soak deeply into soil before the day heats up. Your lawn needs about 1-1.5 inches weekly, preferably in fewer, deeper sessions rather than frequent light sprinklings.
3. Fertilizing Incorrectly
Dumping fertilizer on struggling grass during late summer often backfires spectacularly. The nitrogen can actually burn your lawn in Virginia’s intense August heat, turning it brown instead of green.
Hold off until temperatures moderate in early fall. September is actually the ideal time for Virginia lawns to receive fertilizer, when cooler temperatures help grass use nutrients efficiently without the stress of extreme heat.
4. Ignoring Weeds
Those innocent-looking dandelions and crabgrass patches are silently stealing water and nutrients from your turf. Late summer weeds in Virginia grow aggressively while your grass struggles with heat stress.
Tackle weeds promptly with targeted spot treatments rather than broadcast spraying. Many Virginia homeowners find that hand-pulling after rain works wonderfully for isolated weeds without risking chemical damage to heat-stressed grass.
5. Overwatering
Drowning your lawn with daily watering creates shallow roots and fungal problems. Virginia’s humid climate already puts lawns at risk for diseases like brown patch and dollar spot.
Water deeply but infrequently – about twice weekly if there’s no rain. A simple test for Virginia homeowners: if your footprints remain visible in the grass for more than a few seconds, your lawn is ready for water.
6. Neglecting Equipment Maintenance
Dull mower blades tear grass instead of cutting cleanly, leaving ragged edges that turn brown and invite disease. This stress is particularly damaging during Virginia’s late summer heat waves.
Sharpen blades at least twice per season and clean the mower deck regularly. Many Virginia lawn care professionals recommend setting your mower slightly higher in August to reduce stress on grass during the hottest days.
7. Compacting Soil
Heavy foot traffic, parked vehicles, or frequent mowing patterns create compacted soil that suffocates grass roots. Virginia’s clay-heavy soils are particularly prone to compaction problems during dry spells.
Consider aerating your lawn in early fall after summer’s stress. Many Virginia homeowners rent aerators for a weekend project that dramatically improves water penetration and root growth before winter sets in.
8. Planting the Wrong Grass
Attempting to establish cool-season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass during August’s heat is setting yourself up for failure. Virginia’s transition zone climate requires strategic timing for new grass.
Wait until September for seeding cool-season varieties. For warm-season grasses like Bermuda or Zoysia that thrive in Virginia’s hot summers, spring planting works best, giving them time to establish before late summer heat peaks.
9. Forgetting Pest Control
Grubs, chinch bugs, and armyworms reach peak destruction in late summer, often unnoticed until significant damage occurs. Virginia’s warm, humid conditions create perfect breeding grounds for these lawn destroyers.
Check for pests by examining brown patches and pulling gently on affected grass. Many Virginia lawn experts recommend preventative treatments in early summer rather than waiting for visible damage in August.
10. Skipping Pre-Fall Preparation
Failing to prepare your lawn for fall during late summer means missing the prime recovery window. Virginia’s moderate autumn provides perfect growing conditions after summer stress.
Begin planning your fall lawn renovation in August. Many Virginia homeowners order seed, prepare equipment, and schedule aeration while summer’s still in full swing, ensuring they’re ready when cooler temperatures arrive in September.
11. Ignoring Drought Stress
Mistaking dormant grass for dead grass leads to unnecessary panic and overwatering. Virginia lawns often go partially dormant during August heat as a natural survival mechanism.
Don’t flood dormant grass trying to “revive” it. Instead, provide just enough moisture to keep the crown alive. Many Virginia cool-season lawns naturally slow growth during peak summer heat, then bounce back vigorously once temperatures moderate in September.