✅ Mid-July Lawn Care To-Do List

Keep Waterin’, But Don’t Overdo It

By now, your lawn should be used to deep, infrequent watering. Keep shootin’ for about 1 to 1.5 inches per week, but pay attention-if it’s been especially hot or windy, you might need a little more in those sun-blasted areas. If you’re usin’ a sprinkler, try putting an empty tuna can on the lawn-when it’s full, you’ve hit the right amount. And remember, early morning is still the best time to water. If you wait ’til the afternoon, most of it’s just gonna evaporate before it helps.

Mow High, Mow Often

Your grass is under stress in July, so go easy on it. Keep that mower deck set high-at least 3 inches if you can. Taller blades shade the roots and keep moisture locked in longer. And whatever you do, don’t mow more than one-third of the blade at a time. If the lawn’s gotten long (it happens!), trim it down gradually over a couple days instead of whacking it all at once.

Mulch Those Clippings

Instead of baggin’ your grass clippings, let ’em mulch right back into the yard. They break down fast in this heat and help feed the soil. Plus, they hold in a little extra moisture-which your lawn will thank you for.

Watch for Weeds and Bugs

Mid-July is prime time for crabgrass, thistles, and Creeping Charlie (also known as ground ivy) to try and move in. Keep an eye out for them, and spot-treat as needed with a targeted herbicide (preferably early morning or evening when it’s cooler). Also, look out for grub damage, brown patches that peel up like a carpet could mean something’s munchin’ on your roots. If you’re not sure, give us a shout and we’ll take a look.

🛑What Not to Do in July

Don’t Fertilize Unless You Know What You’re Doin’

We get asked this a lot: “Can I fertilize in July?” And the short answer is-usually, no. If you didn’t fertilize back in May or June, now’s not the time to throw down a bunch of high-nitrogen stuff. It’ll stress your lawn out and might even burn it. The only exception? If you’re using a low-nitrogen, slow-release summer blend made for warm weather. And even then, go light.

Don’t Water at Night

We get it, sometimes evenings are the only time you’ve got. But watering at night leaves your lawn wet for too long, which can invite fungal diseases. If mornings don’t work, shoot for early evening before the sun’s totally gone.

Don’t Let It Go Completely Dormant, Unless You’re Committed

Some folks just let their lawn go brown and dormant to ride out the summer, and that’s totally fine. But if you do that, don’t keep switching back and forth between watering and not. That’s rough on the grass. Either let it rest, or keep it watered. Pick a lane and stick with it.

Thinkin’ About Overseeding? Hold Off a Bit

Mid-July isn’t the time for planting new grass. It’s just too hot and dry for young seedlings to get established. If you’ve got thin spots or bare areas, make a note to overseed in late August or early September, that’s the sweet spot for seeding in North Dakota.

Let Us Take Care of It For You

Let’s face it, July lawn care isn’t always fun. It’s hot, it’s dusty, and sometimes it feels like no matter what you do, your yard still looks tired. That’s where we come in.

At Dakota Lawn and Snow Services, we’re out there every day helping homeowners and businesses in Bismarck, Mandan, and surrounding areas keep their lawns lookin’ their best. Whether you need weekly mowing, help with watering, or just someone to check things over, we’ve got your back.

Give us a call at 701-400-2098 or swing by dakotalawnsnow.com to schedule a service. Let’s keep your yard in shape so you can enjoy summer without sweatin’ the small stuff.