How to Keep Your Lawn Green During the Hot Illinois Summer

Evo Lawn & Landscape – Serving Lake County, IL

Let’s face it—summer in Illinois can be brutal. One week it’s 75 and breezy, and the next week we’re dealing with 95 degrees, no rain, and a lawn that looks like it gave up on life. I get it. As the owner of Evo Lawn & Landscape, I’ve seen too many beautiful yards in Lake County turn crispy by July. But keeping your lawn green is possible—and it doesn’t require a miracle, just the right strategy.

Here’s your no-BS guide to keeping your lawn lush during the summer heat.

Water Smart—Not More

Tip #1: Water deeply, not daily.

That means aiming for 1–1.5 inches of water per week, either from rain or irrigation. The key is deep, infrequent watering so your roots grow deeper, making the grass more heat-resistant.

💧 Best time to water:
5:00 AM to 9:00 AM.
Watering mid-day? The sun will evaporate half of it. At night? Hello, fungus.

Want to make your watering more effective? Consider pairing it with core aeration to improve water absorption.

Mow High & Mow Weekly

During hot Illinois summers, raise your mower blade to 4–4.5 inches. A taller lawn shades its roots, holds more moisture, and stays greener.

Here at Evo, our weekly mowing service includes:

Sharp blade mowing (no ragged tips)
Clean edge trimming
Bed blowing
Lawn-friendly patterns (no ruts or compacting)

👉 Skipping mowing = more stress on your grass. Don’t do that to your lawn. It deserves better.

Don’t Fertilize During Peak Heat

If you're reading this in July or early August, hold off on fertilizing unless you're using a slow-release summer blend. Fertilizer + heat = burnt lawn.

💡 Pro Tip:
Let us build your custom fertilization schedule. Evo’s lawn packages take the guesswork (and risk) out of timing.

Stop Weeds Before They Spread

Crabgrass and clover love heat. If you’re noticing patches, it’s time for:

Spot-spraying (we use SpeedZone in early morning)
Hand removal (for isolated areas)
Mulching around beds to reduce competition

Don’t let weeds win. Call us, and we’ll spray it before it spreads across your lawn like gossip at a backyard barbecue.

Avoid Foot Traffic & Lawn Stress

In high heat, lawns are already stressed. Parking on the grass, letting the dog run wild, or throwing a party every weekend? That’s a recipe for dead patches.

Tip: Keep traffic minimal during dry spells, and rotate play areas if you have kids or pets.

✅ Bonus: Sign Up for Evo’s Premium Weekly Lawn Care

We offer full-season mowing and maintenance that’s designed to beat the Illinois summer. Our Evo Premium Package includes:

Weekly mowing, edging, leaf remova & fall clean up
Weed removal from garden beds
5-step fertilizer application program all season long
Unlimited lawn weed control spraying

🚨 Now serving a 5-mile radius around Lindenhurst, IL. Limited summer slots available!

FAQ - Illinois Lawns

How often should I water my lawn during the summer in Illinois?

To keep your lawn green during hot Illinois summers, water deeply 2–3 times per week, aiming for 1 to 1.5 inches total per week. Early morning watering (between 5–9 AM) is best to avoid evaporation and prevent disease.

Why is my lawn turning brown even though I water it?

If your lawn is turning brown despite watering, it could be due to shallow roots, heat stress, or compacted soil. You may need core aeration or to adjust your mowing height. Avoid watering at night or during peak sun hours.

What height should I mow my grass during summer in Lake County, IL?

Set your mower blade to 3–3.5 inches in the summer. Taller grass shades the soil, retains moisture, and helps prevent weeds and heat stress.

Is it okay to fertilize my lawn in July or August?

No. Avoid fertilizing during peak summer heat unless using a slow-release or summer-specific blend. Fertilizer can burn your lawn when temperatures are high. I suggest hiring a local pro like Evo Lawn & Landscape to fertilize your lawn during the summer without damaging it.

What’s the best way to prevent weeds like clover during summer?

The best approach is spot treatment with herbicides, regular mowing, and keeping your lawn thick and healthy with proper watering and mowing. Evo Lawn & Landscape offers weed control and spot spraying as part of our summer service.

📍 Serving Local Homeowners Across Lake County, IL:

Lawn Care Pros of Lake Forest, IL

Evo Lawn & Landscape helps keep your lawn green all summer long in Lake County, IL with weekly mowing, sprinkler timing tips, and expert lawn care. Beat the Illinois heat with healthy turf solutions. Call or text (224) 777-0061 for summer lawn service!