Virginia summers can be tough on lawns. Long stretches of heat and sun often leave grass dry, brittle, and struggling to recover. If you’re seeing brown patches, thinning areas, or spots that feel crunchy underfoot, your lawn is likely showing signs of sun damage.
Fortunately, sun damage doesn’t have to be permanent. With proper care and a consistent approach, your lawn can gradually recover its health and color.
At Jack’s Lawn Care & Landscaping, we’ve helped many homeowners restore their grass after a harsh season, and we’re here to help you do the same.
Here’s how to get started.
1. Know the Signs of Sun Damage
Before treating the issue, it’s important to make sure the problem is truly sun-related. Signs of heat and drought stress often include:
- Brown or yellow patches in areas with full sun
- Grass that feels dry, brittle, or crunchy
- Slowed growth or areas that stop growing altogether
- Blades that curl or turn gray before drying out
- Soil that remains hard and dry, even after watering
These symptoms can sometimes be confused with pests or nutrient deficiencies. A soil test or professional assessment from your trusted local landscaping company in Charlottesville can help confirm the cause.
2. Deep Watering Is Essential
A deep, consistent watering routine is one of the most important steps in recovery. Your goal is to get water down to the roots, about six inches deep. Depending on your sprinkler system and soil type, this usually takes 30 to 60 minutes.
Water early in the morning to reduce evaporation and allow time for the soil to absorb moisture. Avoid watering at night since that can leave the lawn damp overnight and lead to disease.
3. Mow Smarter
Raise your mower blade so the grass stays taller. Taller grass shades the soil, helping it retain moisture and protect the roots from further damage. This is a simple lawn care tip that supports healthy growth during stressful weather.
Avoid mowing during the hottest part of the day, and never mow when the lawn is already under stress. Be sure your mower blades are sharp to prevent shredding the grass.
4. Aerate to Loosen Compacted Soil
Compacted soil makes it harder for water, air, and nutrients to reach the roots. This is especially common in sun-damaged lawns. Lawn aeration services can help loosen the soil, promote stronger root systems, and prepare your lawn for reseeding or recovery.
Fall is typically the best time to aerate, but summer aeration may be helpful in severe cases. Be sure to follow up with watering.
5. Reseed Bare or Thinning Spots
Once your lawn is rehydrated and aerated, focus on thin or bald areas. Choose a seed blend suited for lawn maintenance services in Charlottesville and resistant to sun and drought.
Rake the area to loosen the soil, spread seed evenly, and cover with a light layer of compost or topsoil. Keep the area moist until the new grass is established. For large areas, sod installation may be a better solution.
6. Fertilize Carefully
Avoid using heavy fertilizer in high heat. A slow-release or organic option is better during summer months. A well-balanced formula can help restore nutrients without overfeeding grass that’s already stressed.
If you’re not sure what your lawn needs, a reliable landscaping service in Charlottesville can test your soil and create a custom plan.
7. Add Shade Where You Can
If your lawn gets full sun all day, look for ways to create partial shade. Consider planting trees or shrubs, expanding mulch beds, or using a patio umbrella over a high-stress area.
Adding landscape design elements to reduce full-day sun exposure can protect the lawn and make your yard more inviting.
8. Minimize Foot Traffic
A lawn under stress needs time to recover. Try to limit walking on damaged areas, and keep pets and lawn equipment off those spots. If there are frequently used paths, hardscaping services like stepping stones or walkways can help protect your lawn.
9. Be Consistent and Give It Time
Reviving a lawn doesn’t happen overnight. Stick with your watering schedule, mow wisely, and continue gentle maintenance. It may take a few weeks to see improvement, but your efforts will strengthen the lawn for seasons to come.
At Jack’s Lawn Care & Landscaping, we offer more than just lawn mowing services in Charlottesville. We provide comprehensive landscaping services, including property cleanup, lawn mulching, shrub trimming, and expert care for stressed or sun-damaged lawns. If you’re not sure where to start, we’re happy to help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward a healthier lawn!
