Why Tulsa Lawns Struggle in August (And How to Help Yours Bounce Back) (copy)

​By August, the lawn that started the summer lush and green can suddenly look dry, brittle, and brown. Tulsa’s heat isn’t just uncomfortable for people, it’s hard on your grass, too. If your lawn looks stressed, here’s how to give it the care it needs to power through the final weeks of summer.

​Why August Is So Tough on Tulsa Lawns

Tulsa’s August weather pushes everything to its limits, including your lawn. Soaring temps and intense sun dry out the soil fast, and grass can quickly start to suffer if the rain doesn’t show up when needed. Add in foot traffic from backyard activities, and it’s no surprise your turf looks a little tired this time of year.

Here’s what makes August especially hard on your lawn:

• Extreme heat dries out grass and soil quickly
• Inconsistent rainfall causes turf to swing between drought stress and oversaturation
• Foot traffic from kids, pets, and backyard activities adds physical stress to already-weakened grass
• Cool-season grasses may go semi-dormant to protect themselves

If you know how to support your grass during these conditions, you can help it bounce back faster and look better.

Watering Tips for the August Heat

There’s more to watering your lawn than turning on the sprinkler and letting it run for a bit. Try these simple tips to help your grass soak up every drop:

• Water Deeply, Not Frequently
  Encourage roots to grow deeper by watering thoroughly 1–1.5 inches per week, including rainfall.
• Time It Right
  Water in the early morning, ideally before 9 a.m., to minimize evaporation and lower disease risk. Avoid evening watering, which can lead to fungal issues.
• Use Smart Irrigation Practices
  If your sprinkler system is causing puddles or water runoff, take a moment to adjust or reposition your spray heads. Consider using drip irrigation to water more efficiently for areas that don’t get much water or waste a lot.

Mowing Tips to Reduce Stress on Grass

Believe it or not, mowing can put additional strain on grass, especially when it’s already stressed by heat. Here’s how to minimize the impact:

• Raise Your Mower Height
  Taller grass shades the soil and helps retain moisture.
• Follow the One-Third Rule
  Always follow the one-third rule to keep your lawn healthy—never remove more than one-third of the grass blade at once. During hot, dry weather, let the grass grow slightly taller and mow less frequently to reduce stress.
• Leave the Clippings
  Letting grass clippings fall back onto the lawn after you mow is a simple way to feed your grass. As they break down, they return nutrients like nitrogen to the soil and help retain moisture. However, make sure the clippings are short and evenly spread because thick clumps can smother the grass underneath.

Extra Protection During Heatwaves

If your lawn is looking especially rough right now, a few extra steps can make a difference:

• Hold Off on Fertilizing
  Fertilizing an already dry or struggling lawn during extreme heat can stress or even burn your lawn. Wait until temperatures cool down and your lawn starts actively growing again before feeding. For summer care, avoid quick-release formulas and consult a lawn care pro if you’re unsure.
• Limit Foot Traffic
  Keep pets, kids, and heavy equipment as much as possible off stressed areas.
• Plan for Fall Aeration
  Aeration relieves soil compaction and improves root development heading into cooler weather.

How Nutri-Green Can Help Your Lawn Survive the Heat

Lawn care in Tulsa isn’t always easy, especially in August. If you’re unsure what your grass needs or don’t have time to give it the attention it deserves, we’re here to help.

Nutri-Green is a locally owned company with over 25 years of experience helping Tulsa lawns thrive. Our team knows how to care for grass in our climate, and we offer solutions that take the guesswork out of lawn care:

• Free lawn evaluations
• Recurring lawn treatments
• Fertilization & weed control
• Soil testing
• Flea & tick control
• Aeration
• And more

Let Nutri-Green help you protect your lawn this summer. With expert care and a customized treatment plan from our local lawn care company, your lawn can finish the season strong and head into fall in great shape.

We serve Tulsa, Bixby, New Tulsa, and communities across Eastern Oklahoma. Contact us today to schedule your free lawn analysis.