Your practical guide to surviving Nevada’s hottest month

July in Nevada doesn’t mess around. Between blazing sunshine, dry soil, and water restrictions, it’s easy for your lawn to go from lush to lacklustre in a matter of days. But the good news? A few smart, often-overlooked tweaks can keep your turf strong, green, and summer-ready.

Here are 5 essential lawn care tips for July that most homeowners forget, but your grass will thank you for:

Water Deeper, Less Often

Taking care of your lawn during the intense heat of July isn’t about watering more often—it’s about watering smarter. Instead of daily light sprinkling, giving your lawn a good, deep soak two to three times a week encourages roots to grow deeper and become more drought-resistant. It’s best to water early in the morning before 9 a.m. to reduce evaporation and avoid fungal problems, while watering in the evening should be avoided as it traps moisture and can cause disease.

Raise Your Mower Blades

You should raise your mower blades during the summer months. Cutting grass too short, or scalping it, stresses the lawn and leaves soil exposed to harsh sun. Taller grass helps shade the soil, retain moisture, and protect the roots from heat damage. For cool-season grass, aim to keep your mower height around three inches, while warm-season turf does best at about two and a half inches. Also, make sure your mower blades are sharp so they cut cleanly rather than tearing the grass.

Fertilize Smartly

Fertilizing in July should be done carefully—not skipped, but not overdone either. Your lawn still needs nutrients to stay healthy in the heat, but applying too much fertilizer, especially on cool-season grasses, can actually burn the lawn because they absorb nutrients faster during hot weather. A light application of a product like Super Iron Triple Pro provides the right balance of nutrients to keep your grass green and resilient without risking damage.

Relieve Soil Compaction

Don’t forget about soil compaction either. With all the activity in your yard—from foot traffic to pets and play—the soil can get compacted, making it harder for water and nutrients to reach the roots. Using a manual lawn aerator or a garden fork to relieve pressure in heavily used spots can help your lawn breathe and absorb what it needs.

Watch for Heat Stress

Finally, keep an eye out for signs of heat stress in your grass. It can’t tell you when it’s struggling, but it will show it by turning silvery, curling at the blades, or failing to bounce back after being stepped on. When you notice these signs, try increasing your watering slightly and check your sprinklers for any issues. Avoid mowing or walking on those stressed areas until they recover to prevent further damage.

To show how these tips really make a difference, check out this before and after shot of sod we recently installed at our Dayton Valley Turf site. From deep watering and raising mower blades to smart fertilizing and aerating compacted soil, each step played a part in transforming a tired lawn into a thick, green, and thriving space. It’s proof that the right care and quality turf truly work together to deliver visible results—even in the peak of summer heat.

Lawn care in July is all about working with the summer season—not fighting it. By adjusting how you water, mow, fertilize, and care for your soil, you’ll help your lawn stay strong and healthy through the heat. If you’re not sure where to start or want advice on the best products, stop by Dayton Valley Turf or reach out to our team. We’re always happy to help you grow a lawn you love.

Ready to give your lawn the care it deserves? Contact Dayton Valley Turf today or visit us in-store for expert advice and premium turf products to keep your grass looking its best all summer long.