Late summer can be tough on your lawn. The heat, less rain, and the transition to fall put a lot of stress on your grass. Many homeowners make mistakes during this time that can damage their lawns and make it harder for them to recover in the fall.

We’ll go over five common lawn care mistakes and how you can avoid them. By following these tips, you can keep your lawn healthy and green—and Clearwater Irrigation is here to help.

1. Overwatering During Hot Weather

One of the biggest mistakes people make in late summer is watering their lawns too much. When the weather is hot, it might seem like your grass needs more water, but overwatering can actually do more harm than good.

According to Colorado State University Extension, overwatering can cause fungal diseases like brown patch, and it creates shallow roots that can’t survive the winter.

Why Overwatering Is Bad

Overwatering your lawn can do more harm than good, especially in late summer when the grass is already stressed from the heat. When you water too much, the soil becomes soggy and fills with water, leaving no room for air. Grass roots need oxygen to stay healthy, and when they don’t get enough, they become weak and can’t grow properly. This makes your lawn more likely to get diseases like brown patch and dollar spot, which thrive in wet conditions.

Overwatering also causes the roots to grow close to the surface instead of reaching deeper into the soil. Shallow roots make your lawn less able to survive droughts or changes in the weather. On top of that, watering too much wastes water, which can lead to higher utility bills. It’s also bad for the environment because the extra water can run off into rivers and lakes, carrying harmful chemicals with it.

How to Water Properly

The best time to water your lawn is early in the morning. This helps the water soak into the soil before the sun evaporates it. Experts at Penn State Extension recommend watering deeply but less often, so the roots grow stronger. Clearwater Irrigation’s smart sprinkler systems are designed to water your lawn at the right time and in the right amount, keeping it healthy and saving you money.

2. Cutting Your Grass Too Short

Another common mistake is cutting your grass too short, which is called scalping. Many people think shorter grass looks better, but it actually harms your lawn. According to Turfgrass Producers International, cutting grass too short exposes the soil to heat and reduces the grass’s ability to grow properly.

Why Cutting Grass Too Short Is Harmful

Grass that’s cut too short can’t photosynthesize as well, which means it doesn’t get enough energy to stay healthy. It also makes the roots weaker and lets weeds take over. Short grass exposes the soil to sunlight, which dries it out faster and makes it harder for your lawn to stay hydrated.

Clearwater’s Lawn Care Tip

Keep your grass at a height of 2.5–3.5 inches, especially in late summer. This helps it stay strong and protects the soil. Pair proper mowing with Clearwater’s automated irrigation systems to give your lawn the recovery it needs after mowing.

3. Skipping Irrigation System Maintenance

Your irrigation system works hard during late summer, but many homeowners forget to check if it’s working properly.

If your sprinklers aren’t maintained, they can cause dry spots, waste water, or even damage your lawn. The Irrigation Association says regular maintenance is key to keeping your system efficient and your lawn healthy.

Common Problems With Irrigation Systems

Broken Sprinkler Heads: These can cause uneven watering, leaving parts of your lawn too dry or too wet.
Leaking Valves: Leaks waste water and can increase your water bill by as much as 30%.
Clogged Pipes: Blockages can stop water from reaching all areas of your lawn.

How Clearwater Can Help

Clearwater Irrigation offers repair and maintenance services to fix these issues. Our team can check your system for leaks, broken parts, and other problems to make sure your lawn gets the water it needs. Learn more about our services here.

4. Fertilizing at the Wrong Time

Fertilizing your lawn is important, but doing it at the wrong time can cause problems. Applying too much fertilizer in late summer, especially ones high in nitrogen, can lead to weak growth that won’t survive the colder months.

The University of Guelph Turfgrass Institute explains that late summer fertilization should focus on strengthening the roots instead of promoting top growth.

Why Timing Matters

In late summer, grass starts to slow down its growth to prepare for fall. If you use a fertilizer with too much nitrogen, it will encourage the grass to grow leaves instead of roots. This new growth is weak and won’t survive frost or freezing temperatures.

What to Do Instead

Use a fertilizer that’s rich in potassium, which helps the roots grow stronger and prepares your lawn for winter. Clearwater Irrigation works with local soil labs to test your soil and recommend the best fertilizer for your lawn. Contact us to learn more here.

5. Forgetting to Adjust Your Watering Schedule

Many people set their sprinklers in spring and forget to change the schedule as the seasons change. But late summer watering needs are different from mid-summer. According to the Smart Watering Initiative, lawns need less water as the days get shorter and the nights get cooler.

Why Adjusting Is Important

In late summer, evaporation rates go down because there’s less sunlight and cooler temperatures. If you keep watering your lawn like it’s mid-summer, you might overwater it, which can cause soggy soil and diseases. On the other hand, watering inconsistently can stress your lawn and let weeds grow.

Clearwater’s Smart Solution

Clearwater Irrigation’s Wi-Fi-enabled sprinkler controllers can automatically adjust your watering schedule based on the weather. This ensures your lawn gets the right amount of water, no matter the season. One of our clients in Barrie saved 20% on their water bill by switching to a smart irrigation system—contact us to learn how you can do the same here.

Further Resources

Late summer is a critical time for lawn care, and avoiding these five mistakes can make a big difference. Overwatering, cutting your grass too short, skipping irrigation system maintenance, fertilizing at the wrong time, and forgetting to adjust your watering schedule are all common errors that can harm your lawn. By following these tips and using Clearwater Irrigation’s services, you can keep your lawn healthy and green as fall approaches.

Final Tip

Now is the perfect time to prepare for seasonal transitions like fall aeration and winterization. Clearwater Irrigation offers services to help homeowners in Barrie, Orillia, Kawartha Lakes, and nearby areas get their lawns ready for the colder months.

← What Services Does Clearwater Irrigation Offer for Residential & Commercial Properties? Spring Sprinkler System Maintenance for Homeowners →