Maintain lush, vibrant grass with these expert late summer lawn care tips for New Jersey lawns
As the sun begins to set earlier and temperatures start to cool, it’s tempting to let your lawn care routine slide. However, late summer is a crucial time for lawn maintenance, particularly in Bergen County and other areas of Northern New Jersey. With the right approach and help from these late summer lawn care tips, you can help your lawn recover from summer stress and prepare for a strong start in the fall.
Get Ahead of Fall with Smart Lawn Care
Borst Landscape & Design offers expert late summer lawn care services to keep your grass thriving. Call us at (201) 822-9327 orreach out onlineto schedule your consultation.
Here are the most important late summer lawn care tips to keep your grass green, thick, and healthy all season long.
1. Adjust Your Mowing Height
Late summer heat can still stress your lawn, so avoid cutting your grass too short. Keep your mower blade at about 3 inches. Taller grass shades the soil, retains moisture better, and protects against weed invasion.
Bonus Tip:Keep your mower blades sharp to prevent tearing the grass, which can lead to browning and disease.
2. Water Deeply and Infrequently
As frequent summer rain showers taper off, your lawn may require supplemental watering. Aim for one inch of water per week, delivered in the early morning.
- Water deeplyto encourage root growth
- Avoid shallow watering, which leads to weak, surface-level roots
- Morning watering reduces evaporation and fungal risks
3. Repair Bare or Thin Spots
Late summer is an ideal time to spot-seed areas where grass has thinned out. Loosen the soil, sprinkle grass seed, and cover lightly with topsoil or compost. Keep the area moist until seeds germinate.
If you’ve had heavy foot traffic, pests, or drought stress, this is your chance to repair the damage before fall sets in.
4. Aerate Your Lawn
Compacted soil prevents air, water, and nutrients from reaching your lawn’s roots. Core aeration loosens the soil and allows your grass to breathe again. It’s especially beneficial in high-traffic areas and for lawns with clay soil.
August through early September is the perfect window for aeration in New Jersey.
5. Fertilize Strategically
Fertilizing in late summer gives your lawn the nutrients it needs to bounce back from heat stress. Choose a slow-release fertilizerthat feeds your lawn gradually and promotes root development.
Avoid high-nitrogen blends that encourage excessive top growth—opt for balanced formulas that support overall lawn health.
6. Keep an Eye on Weeds
Weeds like crabgrass and dandelions can surge in late summer if left unchecked. Spot-treat with selective herbicides or pull weeds manually. Avoid broad herbicide applications during heat waves, as they can damage your lawn.
Healthy, thick turf is the best long-term weed control, so continue to focus on lawn density and care.
7. Look for Signs of Insects and Disease
Warm, humid conditions create the perfect environment for lawn pests and fungal diseases. Look for signs of trouble:
- Brown or patchy grass
- Moldy or slimy spots
- Insect activity (grubs, chinch bugs, etc.)
If you notice problems, reach out to a lawn care professional. At Borst, we offer organic and eco-friendly pest control solutions to keep your lawn safe for kids, pets, and pollinators.
8. Mulch Your Grass Clippings
Allowing grass clippings to fall back onto the lawn can help return nutrients to the soil. It’s a natural, chemical-free way to fertilize and improve soil structure—just make sure not to leave heavy clumps that could smother the grass.
9. Prepare for Fall Overseeding
Overseeding is best done in early fall, but late summer is the time to plan and prep. Aerate your lawn, remove dead patches, and choose high-quality seed blends suited to Bergen County’s climate.
Make sure you select the right grass type and prepare your lawn for successful overseeding.
10. Consider Organic Lawn Care
Late summer is an excellent time to switch to an organic lawn care regimen. Organic products feed your soil as well as your grass, building long-term health and reducing your need for synthetic treatments.
Our organic program at Borst includes:
- Custom soil testing
- Natural fertilizers and compost teas
- Safe, effective weed and pest control
Your Lawn’s Health Starts Now
Don’t wait until fall to revive your lawn. By taking action in late summer, you’ll set the stage for a healthy lawn that looks great now and even better in the seasons to come.
Late Summer Lawn Care Made Easy with Borst
Need help maintaining a healthy lawn as summer winds down? Let Borst Landscape & Designhandle the hard work. Call (201) 822-9327 orcontact us todayto schedule your customized lawn care service.