Summertime in Cincinnati brings sunshine, backyard parties, and… a lot of stress for your lawn! One of the most common questions homeowners ask is: How often should I fertilize my lawn in summer?
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Why Timing Matters for Summer Fertilizer
Fertilizing gives your lawn essential nutrients — but summer heat can make things tricky.
Warm-season grasses (like Bermuda or zoysia): Thrive with summer feedings.
Cool-season grasses (like fescue or bluegrass): Go semi-dormant in summer; fertilizing can stress them out.
Know what grass type you have! Applying fertilizer at the wrong time can burn the lawn or encourage disease.
Top Scapes Design can help you identify your grass type and tailor a treatment plan.
How Often Should I Fertilize in Summer?
Warm-season grasses:
- Fertilize every 6–8 weeks during active growth (late spring through summer).
- Apply a slow-release fertilizer to provide steady nutrients without overwhelming the lawn.
Cool-season grasses:
- Avoid heavy fertilizing in peak summer.
- Focus feeding efforts on early spring and fall, when the grass is most active.
- If needed, apply a light summer feeding only if the lawn looks weak or pale.
“Can I fertilize my lawn in July or August?”
Yes, but only for warm-season grasses or with light, balanced feeding on cool-season lawns.
Signs You’re Over- or Under-Fertilizing
Over-fertilized lawn:
- Yellowing or burnt tips on grass blades
- Excessive thatch buildup
- Rapid, weak growth that invites pests and diseases
Under-fertilized lawn:
- Pale green or yellowish color
- Sparse or patchy growth
- More weeds filling in bare spots
Always follow the recommended application rates on your fertilizer product. More is not better!
Pro Tips for Safe Summer Fertilizer Use
- Water deeply before and after application to help fertilizer soak into the soil.
- Avoid applying before heavy rain to prevent nutrient runoff.
- Choose slow-release products to reduce the risk of burning.
- Mow high (3–4 inches) to shade soil and reduce heat stress.
- Monitor for pests and diseases — feeding a stressed lawn can sometimes make problems worse.
If you’re unsure about which products to use or when to apply them, let the experts at Top Scapes Design handle it! Their team specializes in customized lawn care that keeps your Cincinnati yard looking its best.
Ready for your healthiest summer lawn yet? Call Top Scapes Design at (937) 218-6729, visit topscapesdesign.com, or check them out on Google Maps.
Let the trusted Cincinnati landscape pros take the guesswork out of summer fertilizing — so you can relax and enjoy your beautiful, green lawn all season long!