Dog Days of Summer: How to Keep Cool During Peak Temperatures

When the forecast hits the 90s and your grass starts to crisp, it’s time to shift your summer yard strategy. Hot Minnesota summers can stress lawns, drain your energy, and make outdoor spaces uncomfortable—but keeping cool doesn’t have to mean giving up on curb appeal.

Whether it’s upgrading your watering game, adding strategic shade, or calling in expert help, here’s how to make the most of your yard even when the heat’s turned all the way up.

Fine-Tune Your Sprinkler Strategy

In the heat of summer, sprinkler maintenance becomes essential. It’s not just about watering more; it’s about watering smarter. Check your system for leaks, clogged nozzles, or misaligned spray heads—small issues that waste water and leave dry spots.

Schedule your sprinklers to run early in the morning, letting your lawn soak up moisture before the sun evaporates it. If checking timers and valves feels overwhelming, searching for “sprinkler maintenance near me” will lead you to local pros. Scott’s Lawn Care offers professional sprinkler services to keep your watering efficient and stress-free.

Add Cooling Shade with Minnesota-Grown Trees

Few things beat shade trees for protecting your lawn from scorching sun. Planting hardy varieties like maples, spruces, or oaks can lower ground temps and create a refreshing retreat.

Choosing trees from a local Minnesota tree farm ensures they’re built to thrive in both harsh winters and hot summers. Shade near patios, play zones, and windows not only cools your yard but helps cut indoor energy costs too.

Visit our local tree farm for expert advice and durable, climate-fit options.

Give Your Lawn Room to Breathe

A lawn under heat stress needs more than water—it needs air circulation. Grass clippings, thatch, and compacted turf trap heat and moisture, inviting fungus and disease.

Mow high (about 3 inches), rake gently, and avoid mowing during peak heat. For low-effort results, let lawn care experts keep your turf breathable and healthy, so you can reclaim your summer weekends.

Boost Your Water Efficiency

Effective summer lawn care means deeper, less frequent watering. This trains roots to grow deeper into cooler soil, improving resilience.

Mulch flower beds to retain moisture and stabilize soil temps. Consider overseeding with drought-tolerant mixes in early fall to strengthen heat resistance long-term.

Embrace Smart Lawn Solutions

Automated tools like robotic mowers and timed sprinklers help your yard stay in shape with minimal effort. Whether you’re enjoying lake weekends or lounging at home, tech-savvy solutions keep your yard looking sharp and hydrated.

Scott’s Lawn Care offers streamlined summer services designed for Minnesota homeowners who value both performance and peace of mind.

Don’t Forget Pets and Family

Comfort matters for everyone—including your pets. Set up shaded zones, refill water bowls, and use misting systems or sprinklers with gentle settings.

Plant shade trees near decks or patios for naturally cooler spaces that are safe and inviting for the whole family.

Final Thought: Beat the Heat with Smart Yard Care

When your lawn’s working overtime in the heat, we’re here to lighten the load. At Scott’s Lawn Care, we combine sprinkler maintenance and shade-smart landscaping into one easy, hands-off solution.

Explore our summer-ready sprinkler services or visit our local tree farm for cooling shade options. You’ve got better things to do this weekend—we’ll take it from here.