A lush, green lawn is the crown jewel of any Windsor-Essex home — but maintaining it through the hot, humid summer months can be a challenge. Between unpredictable rainfall, rising temperatures, and heavy use from backyard barbecues and family gatherings, your grass needs a little extra TLC.
Here’s your complete guide to summer lawn care in Windsor-Essex, tailored to our unique Southern Ontario climate.
Most Windsor-area lawns are made up of cool-season grasses like Kentucky Bluegrass, Perennial Ryegrass, and Fine Fescue. These grasses grow best in spring and fall, and tend to slow down during the heat of July and August.
Pro Tip: Avoid aggressive mowing or fertilizing during peak heat — it can stress the grass even more.
Windsor summers can bring periods of drought, so strategic watering is key.
Water deeply, but less often — aim for about 1 inch per week, early in the morning to reduce evaporation.
Use a rain gauge or tuna can to measure.
Avoid evening watering, which can promote fungal growth due to humidity and overnight moisture.
Local Tip: Check the City of Windsor’s water usage guidelines for any summer watering restrictions.
Don’t mow during drought or heatwaves. If your grass isn’t growing, let it rest.
Keep your mower blade sharp to avoid tearing grass.
Set mower height to 3 inches or higher — taller grass shades the soil and helps retain moisture.
Leave grass clippings on the lawn (mulching) to return nutrients to the soil.
Skip heavy fertilizing in midsummer. Instead, fertilize in late summer or early fall.
Use organic or slow-release fertilizers for a more even nutrient supply.
For weeds, spot-treat rather than blanket-spraying, especially when temperatures rise above 27°C.
While fall is ideal for core aeration and overseeding, summer is the time to observe your lawn and plan:
Do you have thin patches?
Are high-traffic areas getting compacted?
Is water pooling or running off?
Use the summer months to assess, then schedule aeration and overseeding for September when temperatures cool and rain returns.
Grubs may start appearing in mid-to-late summer. Watch for dead patches or animals digging.
Fungal diseases like dollar spot or red thread thrive in humid conditions.
Chinch bugs may also become active during hot, dry stretches.
Pro Tip: Work with a local lawn care expert if you notice unusual damage. Early diagnosis is key.
Caring for your lawn in Windsor-Essex during the summer means working with the climate, not against it. With proper mowing, smart watering, and seasonal timing, your grass can stay green, healthy, and backyard-ready all summer long.
Need help prepping your property for summer curb appeal? Whether you're planning to sell or just want your yard looking its best, I’m here to help local homeowners get the most out of their outdoor space. Here at Jump Realty our agents will give you honest advice on what course of action is best for you in their professional opinion and will always put taking care of your best interests first! With offices in Windsor, Kingsville, LaSalle, Harrow, and Chatham, no matter where you are, a Jump agent is ready to help. Please contact us for any housing needs and let us give you a better real estate experience!
