When the Sevierville summer heat turns up, your lawn can start to feel the pressure. Drought conditions, scorching sun, and irregular rainfall can all take a toll on your yard’s health. But with a few strategic lawn care practices, your grass can not only survive August—it can thrive.
From knowing the right watering schedule to adjusting your mower height, here’s how to keep your lawn lush, green, and beautiful through the tail end of summer in East Tennessee.
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Watering Your Lawn During Drought: Do It Right, Not Just Often
Watering is critical during a drought—but timing and technique matter more than frequency.
Here’s how to water effectively during hot, dry weather:
- Water deeply, not daily: Aim for 1–1.5 inches per week, applied 2–3 times, rather than shallow daily sprinkles.
- Water early in the morning (5–9 AM) to minimize evaporation and prevent fungal growth.
- Use the screwdriver test: Push a screwdriver into the soil. If it’s hard to insert, your lawn needs more water.
- Avoid watering at night: This invites disease and fungus in high humidity.
A properly adjusted sprinkler system or irrigation setup can help. Need help setting it up? Call us today for expert assistance.
How to Spot Heat Stress or Lawn Dormancy Before It’s Too Late
Not all brown grass means it’s dead—your lawn might just be going dormant.
Signs of heat stress or drought dormancy:
- Ghost prints: Walk across your lawn and if the grass stays flat, it’s stressed.
- Discoloration: Grass blades turn tan, yellow, or dull green.
- Crunchy or brittle grass: Indicates dehydration and soil compaction.
- Patchy areas: Especially where sun exposure is high.
A healthy lawn can stay dormant for 3–4 weeks and still bounce back when watered properly.
If you’re unsure whether your lawn is just stressed or truly damaged, our pros can inspect and offer a personalized plan. Reach out to Sauls Land Management for help.
Mowing in August: Raise the Blades for a Cooler, Healthier Lawn
In late summer, one of the most common lawn mistakes is cutting the grass too short.
Here’s how to mow smart in the heat:
- Follow the 1/3 Rule: Never cut more than one-third of the blade at a time.
- Set mower height higher: Taller grass provides shade for the soil and helps retain moisture.
- Fescue & Bluegrass: 3.5–4 inches
- Bermudagrass: 2–2.5 inches
- Keep mower blades sharp: Dull blades tear the grass, increasing stress and disease risk.
- Mow in the morning when it’s cooler to reduce plant shock.
Need help with regular mowing or want to hand it off entirely? Let us take care of it! Check out our full lawn care services here.
Don’t Let August Ruin Your Lawn—Let’s Beat the Heat Together
Sevierville lawns are strong—but they need the right care in August to stay that way. Water wisely, mow with intention, and be alert to the early signs of heat stress. With Sauls Land Management LLC by your side, your lawn can stand up to whatever the Tennessee summer throws its way.
Call us today at (865) 280-0428 or visit our website to schedule your late summer lawn care service!