07/02/2026
July Heat Is Here: How to Help Your Lawn & Landscape Survive a New Hampshire Summer
July is typically the hottest month of the year in New Hampshire. A few weeks of heat and limited rainfall can put stress on lawns, trees, shrubs, and gardens, even in our part of New England.
Here are a few simple ways to keep your landscape healthy during the hottest days of summer:
Water Deeply, Not Daily
A common mistake is watering a little every day. Instead, water deeply and less frequently to encourage deeper root growth.
-Aim for about 1 inch of water per week, including rainfall.
-Water early in the morning whenever possible.
-Avoid watering during the hottest part of the day, when much of the moisture evaporates before reaching the roots.
Don't Panic if Your Lawn Turns Brown
Many cool-season grasses common in New Hampshire naturally go dormant during periods of heat and drought.
A brown lawn doesn't always mean a dead lawn. In many cases, healthy grass will green up again when cooler temperatures and rain return.
Mulch Matters
Mulch helps retain moisture, regulate soil temperatures, and reduce stress on plants.
A 2–3 inch layer around trees, shrubs, and garden beds can make a significant difference during hot weather.
Remember to keep mulch a few inches away from tree trunks and plant stems.
Raise Your Mower Deck
During hot weather, taller grass provides natural shade for the soil and helps reduce moisture loss.
-Keep mower blades sharp.
-Avoid cutting more than one-third of the grass blade at a time.
-Consider mowing a little higher during July and August.
Watch Young Trees and Shrubs
Newly planted trees and shrubs need extra attention during summer heat.
Even if established plants appear fine, younger plantings may need supplemental watering during extended dry periods.
Check Containers and Raised Beds Daily
Plants growing in containers, hanging baskets, and raised beds dry out much faster than plants growing in the ground.
During heat waves, they may require watering once or even twice per day.
Keep an Eye on the Forecast
A single thunderstorm doesn't always provide enough moisture to soak deeply into the soil. Check rainfall totals rather than assuming your landscape received adequate water.
Need mulch, compost, loam, or other landscape materials? Stop by or give us a call. We're always happy to help you choose the right products to keep your lawn and gardens healthy throughout the summer.
Stay cool and enjoy the season!
Visit our website: www.3lakeslandscapesupply.com.
