Keep your lawn healthy through the Nebraska heat. Here are my top mid-summer lawn care tips for Omaha homeowners to keep grass green, strong, and stress-free.

As someone who works in yards all day here in the Omaha area, I see firsthand what mid-summer heat can do to a lawn. Whether you’re in Bennington, Elkhorn, or right here in the city, the July sun can turn green grass into scorched turf if you're not ahead of the game.

Here are some lawn care tips I always recommend to our Xscapes Landscaping clients to keep lawns looking their best through the dog days of summer.

1. Water Deeply, Not Daily

It’s tempting to water your lawn every day when it’s hot, but that can do more harm than good. Instead, water deeply (about 1 inch of water, 2–3 times per week) to encourage deep root growth. This makes your lawn more drought-tolerant and healthier in the long run.

Tip: Water early in the morning (before 10 AM) to reduce evaporation and disease risk.

2. Mow Tall

One of the easiest mistakes to make is mowing too short during summer. Set your mower to 3 to 4 inches. Taller grass shades the soil, holds in moisture, and chokes out weeds like crabgrass.

If you’re mowing yourself, keep those blades sharp—dull blades tear the grass instead of cutting it clean.

3. Hold Off on Fertilizer

Mid-summer isn’t the best time to load up your lawn with fertilizer. It can actually stress your turf, especially in the heat. If you missed your late spring application, it's better to wait until late summer or early fall when temperatures cool off.

4. Watch for Lawn Disease & Grubs

Hot and humid weather creates the perfect conditions for fungal diseases like brown patch or dollar spot. If you notice odd-colored patches, contact a lawn pro (like us) to diagnose it.

Also, keep an eye out for grubs. If you see brown areas that pull up easily like a carpet, you might have a grub problem starting.

5. Start Planning for Fall Aeration & Overseeding

Now’s the perfect time to get on the schedule for fall aeration and overseeding. Late August through September is prime time for cool-season grasses in Nebraska. Spots that are struggling now can bounce back beautifully if you plan ahead.

At Xscapes Landscaping, we start booking aeration jobs in August, so the earlier you get on our list, the better!

Final Thoughts

Omaha summers can be brutal, but a little strategic lawn care now can make a huge difference. If your yard’s struggling or you’re not sure where to start, shoot me a message. I’m always happy to walk through your property and give a few honest recommendations—no pressure.

Let’s keep your lawn green, healthy, and ready to thrive through the rest of the season.

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Adam Hovis Owner, Xscapes Landscaping📍 Serving Omaha, Elkhorn, Gretna, Bennington & surrounding areas📞402-880-7269 | 🌐 Xscapeslandscaping.com-