How to take care of the lawn for your rental home in the summer

The hotter months of the year are an especially fun time to have your own outdoor space. But the heat brings certain challenges. Lawn care is your responsibility as a resident , but we’ve got a few tips to help you out.

Water is the first step to lawn care.

During weeks with no rain, use a hose or a sprinkler system to water your lawn. Follow these watering tips to keep your lawn green and happy:

1. Water deeply and infrequently: Water once a week with roughly 1 inch of water or twice a week with about 1/2 inch.

2. Set up your sprinklers correctly: Align sprinklers to cover as much yard as possible. Watering the street is a waste.

3. Don’t be an “over-waterer”: Learn restrictions in your particular region.

4. Avoid evaporation: Only water in the mornings or in the evening.

5. Watch for Drought Stress: If your grass turns bluish-gray or footprints remain visible, it’s time to water. Addressing stress early can prevent long-term damage.

Know your landscaping responsibilities

Take a moment to review the landscaping section of your lease for details about your lawn care and irrigation responsibilities, including maintaining irrigation sprinkler heads.

If you notice a broken or malfunctioning sprinkler head, addressing it early can help prevent lawn damage, water waste, and unwanted charges.

More lawn care tips

1. Mow high: Raise your mower blade during summer. Taller grass shades the soil, reduces water evaporation, and helps prevent weeds from taking over.

2. Leave Grass Clippings: Mulching grass clippings back into the lawn returns valuable nutrients like nitrogen and helps retain soil moisture.

3. Control Weeds Promptly: Spot-treat weeds as they appear. Summer weeds compete for water and nutrients, weakening your grass during already stressful conditions.

4. Sharpen Mower Blades: Clean, sharp blades make clean cuts. Dull blades tear grass, leading to browning and increased susceptibility to disease.

5. Aerate if Needed (Lightly): If the soil is compacted, light aeration can help improve water and oxygen absorption—but avoid aggressive aeration during extreme heat.

6. Adjust Expectations: Some lawns go semi-dormant in summer heat. This is normal. Focus on keeping grass alive rather than perfectly green, and it will rebound in fall.

Ask us for help!

If you need professional help taking care of things in the yard, order lawn care from our friends at TaskEasy or submit a service request through the Invitation Homes Maintenance app for maintenance help.