The Right Way to Mow Your Lawn in Hot Weather

When the summer heat hits hard in Western Chicago, your lawn feels it. Just like your plants, grass goes under stress during high temperatures, especially if paired with drought or heavy use. And while mowing may seem like a routine chore, how and when you mow during hot weather can make the difference between a lush green yard and a brown, brittle one.

At Skyline Exteriors Landscaping, we’ve seen homeowners unintentionally damage their lawns by mowing the wrong way in summer. Here’s what you need to know to protect your grass while keeping it healthy and looking great during the hottest months of the year.

Mow High, Not Low

One of the biggest mistakes people make in summer is cutting their grass too short—also known as "scalping." In hot weather, this can be devastating. Cutting your lawn too low removes too much of the leaf blade, which reduces the plant's ability to photosynthesize and retain moisture. This weakens the grass and invites weeds, disease, and sunburn.

The rule of thumb? Never cut more than one-third of the grass blade at a time. For most cool-season grasses common in the Midwest (like Kentucky bluegrass or fescue), aim for a mowing height of 3 to 4 inches during summer. The extra height provides shade for the soil, helps retain moisture, and encourages deeper root growth.

Keep Your Mower Blade Sharp

A dull mower blade doesn’t cut—it tears. Torn grass blades lose more moisture and are more prone to disease. You can usually tell if your mower blade is dull if the grass tips look ragged or brown after mowing.

We recommend sharpening your mower blade at least once per season, or more often if you mow frequently. A clean cut not only keeps your lawn healthier, but it also gives it a cleaner, more polished appearance.

Mow During the Coolest Times of Day

Try to mow in the early morning or late evening, when temperatures are lower and the sun isn’t as intense. Mowing in the heat of the day can put extra stress on both your grass and your body. Mowing during cooler times also gives your lawn time to recover without immediately being exposed to hot sun.

If possible, avoid mowing right after rainfall or heavy watering. Wet grass can clump, clog your mower, and result in uneven cuts or ruts in your lawn.

Leave the Clippings (Sometimes)

Grass clippings are packed with nitrogen and other nutrients, and leaving them on your lawn—known as “grasscycling”—can help feed the soil and reduce water evaporation. In summer, this can be especially helpful in maintaining a healthy lawn.

That said, don’t leave excessive clumps of grass behind, as they can smother your lawn. If your lawn is overgrown and clumps are forming, use a mulching mower or bag the clippings and compost them.

Avoid Mowing During Drought Stress

If your lawn is going dormant (turning brown and brittle due to heat or drought), avoid mowing altogether until it shows signs of recovery. Cutting dormant grass further stresses it and slows its ability to bounce back when rain or cooler weather returns.

If you must mow a stressed lawn, raise the mowing height as high as possible and mow very gently.

Adjust Frequency to Conditions

During peak summer, grass tends to grow more slowly—especially in dry conditions. There’s no need to mow as frequently as you would in spring. Base your mowing schedule on growth rather than the calendar, and always follow the one-third rule to avoid cutting too much at once.

Let Skyline Keep Your Lawn Healthy All Summer Long

Proper mowing is one of the most important parts of summer lawn care—and when done right, it helps your lawn stay green, strong, and resistant to the challenges of heat and dry weather.

If you're too busy to manage it yourself, or want professional care that keeps your yard looking its best, Skyline Exteriors Landscaping offers reliable lawn maintenance services tailored to the season. We take care of mowing, trimming, fertilizing, and more—so you can enjoy your outdoor space without the hassle.

Need help keeping your lawn lush this summer? Contact Skyline today for expert care and a free consultation.