How to Maintain a Healthy Lawn through Calgary’s Hot, Dry Summers

Introduction

Calgary’s summers bring beautiful blue skies, warm afternoons, and plenty of sunshine. Residents enjoy summer weather, but lawns often suffer from the heat and dryness. Keeping a lush, green lawn in Calgary's hot months can be tough. But with the right strategies, you can make your yard look vibrant all season.

Calgary homeowners can take steps to care for their lawns and protect their investments during the hot summer months.

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Understanding the Impact of Calgary’s Summer Climate

Before starting lawn care, you need to know the challenges of Calgary’s climate. Summers here are not only hot but also extremely dry. Rainfall can be unpredictable. When it does come, it’s usually quick storms. These storms don’t help the soil much. Intense sun, drying winds, and little moisture can stress lawns. Without proper care, they may become brittle and brown.

Professional landscapers in Calgary, like the team at Western Elements Landscaping, know summer lawn care means more than just watering. It involves a comprehensive approach to soil health, grass resilience, and moisture retention.

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Watering Correctly for Deep Root Growth

Many homeowners believe that frequent watering leads to a green lawn. But watering the wrong way can cause more harm than good. In Calgary's climate, it is better to water deeply and less often. Deep watering helps grass roots grow deeper in the soil, strengthening the lawn during dry times.

The goal should be to soak the soil to a depth of at least six inches during each watering session. Depending on rainfall and temperature, you may need to water two to three times a week. Watering in the early morning is best. It cuts down on evaporation and helps moisture get to the roots before the day's heat.

Avoid watering in the late afternoon or evening, as lingering moisture can invite fungal diseases. With the proper watering habits, your lawn will stay stronger and greener even in the hottest weeks of summer.

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Mowing Practices That Protect Your Lawn

How and when you mow your lawn has a significant impact on its health during Calgary's summers. Mowing too short can weaken the grass, especially in the heat. It exposes the roots to sunlight and dries out the soil faster.

To maintain a healthy lawn, adjust your mower height to ensure that you cut the grass no shorter than three inches. Longer grass blades shade the soil, cut down evaporation, and help keep weeds away. Keep your mower blades sharp. Dull blades tear grass, making it easy for disease to strike.

Another helpful tip is to leave grass clippings on the lawn after mowing. This natural mulch returns nutrients to the soil and helps retain moisture. Grasscycling is an easy and effective way to nourish your lawn in the summer.

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Feeding Your Lawn the Right Way

A healthy lawn needs proper nutrition, especially during Calgary's growing season. Fertilizing at the right time and with the right products helps roots grow and strengthens the lawn's ability to cope with heat stress.

Using slow-release fertilizer in late spring or early summer helps plants get nutrients steadily as the weather warms up. Avoid over-fertilizing in peak summer heat. Too much nitrogen can burn the lawn and lead to quick, weak growth that struggles in drought.

Landscaping experts suggest testing your soil to ensure your lawn gets the proper nutrients. Calgary soils differ greatly, so tailored fertilization plans work better than generic ones.

Aeration for Better Soil Health

Calgary's clay-heavy soils can compact over time, which is common in high-traffic areas of the yard. Compacted soil restricts water, air, and nutrient flow to roots, making the lawn weaker in dry times.

Aerating your lawn breaks up compaction and boosts soil health. This process makes small holes in the soil, letting water and nutrients go deeper. The best times to aerate in Calgary are spring and early fall. However, if stress affects your lawn, summer aeration can help, too.

Hiring a landscaping company ensures that aeration is done correctly and on time, helping your lawn thrive in the heat.

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Choosing Drought-Tolerant Grass Varieties

Not all grass types suit Calgary's summer conditions. Some common lawn grasses struggle with heat and drought and turn brown quickly if not watered regularly.

When you install new turf or overseed thin spots, choose drought-tolerant types. They work better in Calgary's climate. For the region, choose drought-resistant Kentucky bluegrass blends, fine fescues, or perennial ryegrasses. These grasses require less water, recover more quickly from stress, and maintain better colour during dry spells.

A professional landscaper can suggest the best seed mixes. They consider your yard’s conditions, sun exposure, and how you plan to use it.

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Mulching Around Trees and Garden Beds

Bare soil around trees, shrubs, and flower beds can quickly dry out under Calgary's summer sun. Mulch is easy to add and very effective. It helps keep the soil moist, controls temperature and stops weeds from stealing water from your lawn and plants.

Organic mulches, such as shredded bark or wood chips, gradually break down over time and add nutrients back into the soil. A layer of mulch two to four inches deep around plants provides a protective barrier against the heat without suffocating roots.

Mulching garden beds are standard, but adding mulching techniques to your landscaping plan can boost the health of your whole yard.

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Regular Monitoring and Professional Help

Even with the best practices in place, Calgary’s unpredictable weather can sometimes cause sudden lawn stress. Droughts, chinooks, and pests like white grubs can all impact the health of your yard.

Regular monitoring allows you to spot early warning signs such as browning, thinning areas, or irregular patches. Early intervention can often prevent minor problems from becoming major repairs. Setting up seasonal inspections with a landscaper helps to spot and fix issues fast.

Partnering with Calgary landscaping experts, such as Western Elements Landscaping, offers you tailored advice for your lawn and garden.

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Keep Your Lawn Strong All Summer Long

To keep your lawn healthy during Calgary's hot, dry summers, you need a brilliant plan. Water deeply, mow wisely, fertilize strategically, and care for your soil. These steps help keep your grass green and vibrant, even in the heat.

Professional landscaping help can turn a struggling lawn into a thriving one. With good care, your yard can stay a lovely place for your family all summer.

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Ready to Revive Your Calgary Lawn?

Count on the experts at Western Elements Landscaping. They’ll help with low-maintenance solutions to keep your lawn lush and healthy all year round. Contact us today to set up a consultation. See how professional care can transform your outdoor space.