How to Keep Grass Alive in July Without Wasting Water

When July rolls in, the heat can make your lawn look dry, brown, and tired. In many parts of Canada, watering restrictions are in place during the summer months, making it harder to keep grass green. But the good news is that you can still keep your lawn healthy without using too much water. It just takes the right timing, tools, and habits.

Learning how to water smart, mow wisely, and improve soil health can go a long way. If you want to save water, reduce your utility bill, and still enjoy a lush yard, these tips will help you keep your grass alive in the hottest part of the year. Whether you live in Ontario, Alberta, or British Columbia, these methods work for many lawns and are easy to apply.

1. Water Early and Infrequently

One of the best ways to conserve water while keeping your grass healthy in July is by watering early in the morning. This gives the soil time to soak up the moisture before the sun gets too strong. Watering during the afternoon often leads to more water loss due to evaporation. Evening watering can cause problems too, like fungal growth, because the grass stays wet overnight.

Aim to water deeply but not too often. Deep watering encourages roots to grow further into the soil, making your grass more drought-resistant. Depending on the type of grass and soil, watering once or twice a week is usually enough. Lawns generally need about 1 inch of water per week, including rainfall. Use a rain gauge or an empty tuna can to measure how much water your lawn is getting.

2. Choose the Right Mowing Height

How you mow your grass plays a big role in how well it handles heat and dry conditions. In the summer, set your mower blade higher. Cutting your grass too short can make it dry out faster and become more likely to die. Taller grass shades the soil, holds moisture better, and grows deeper roots.

Keep your mower blades sharp so they don’t tear the grass. Torn grass is weaker and loses water more quickly. Also, don’t mow when the grass is wet or during the hottest part of the day. Try to mow in the morning or late evening when it’s cooler and the sun isn’t directly overhead.

3. Leave Grass Clippings on the Lawn

Instead of bagging your clippings, leave them on the lawn after mowing. This method is called “grasscycling.” It’s a simple way to keep your lawn moist and healthy without using more water. The clippings break down quickly and return nutrients to the soil, helping your lawn stay green.

Grasscycling also reduces the need for fertilizer, which can burn grass in hot weather if overused. Using this method is especially helpful during dry months like July when your lawn needs all the support it can get.

4. Improve Soil with Aeration and Compost

Good soil is key to a healthy lawn, especially in dry conditions. If your soil is compacted, water can't sink in properly, and the roots won’t grow as well. Aerating your lawn once a year helps loosen the soil so water can reach the roots more easily. You can rent an aerator or hire a local lawn care service to do it for you.

Adding compost to your lawn is another great way to improve soil health. Compost holds moisture and provides nutrients. A thin layer spread over your lawn once or twice a year can make a big difference, especially during dry months.

5. Use Drought-Resistant Grass Types

Some types of grass do better in heat and dry conditions than others. If you’re planting a new lawn or overseeding, look for drought-resistant grass varieties. In Ontario and Alberta, Kentucky bluegrass and tall fescue are common choices. In BC’s milder climate, fine fescues often work well.

These types of grass require less water and are better at surviving the heat of July. Over time, switching to a more drought-tolerant lawn can save both water and money.

6. Install a Smart Watering System

If you often forget to water or don’t know when the best time is, a smart irrigation system can help. These systems use weather data and soil sensors to water only when needed. Some connect to your smartphone, letting you control your lawn watering with just a few taps.

Drip irrigation and soaker hoses are also good options. These tools deliver water slowly and directly to the roots, where it’s needed most, and help avoid water waste due to runoff or evaporation.

7. Avoid Fertilizing in the Heat

Fertilizer might seem like a quick fix for brown patches, but applying it in the heat of July can actually do more harm than good. Fertilizers can dry out your lawn or even burn it if not applied carefully. Instead, feed your lawn in the spring and fall when it’s cooler and the grass can make better use of the nutrients.

During the hot summer months, focus on watering properly and maintaining soil health. If you must fertilize, use an organic or slow-release product and always follow the instructions closely.

8. Let Your Lawn Go Dormant

If keeping a green lawn isn’t your top priority, letting your grass go dormant during the summer is perfectly fine. Dormant grass may look brown and dry, but it’s not dead—it’s simply resting. Most grass types can survive several weeks without water during dormancy, as long as the roots are healthy.

When you let your lawn go dormant, avoid walking on it too much and hold off on mowing. Just give it enough water—about ½ inch every 2 to 3 weeks—to keep the roots alive. When cooler weather returns, your grass will bounce back.

9. Mulch and Landscape for Less Lawn

If you're tired of fighting to keep grass alive in July, consider reducing the size of your lawn. You can add mulch beds, native plants, or shrubs that need less water. Mulch keeps the soil cool and moist, and native plants are already adapted to the local climate.

This kind of landscaping, also known as xeriscaping, can cut your water use and still look beautiful. It also helps pollinators and cuts down on mowing time.

Keeping your lawn healthy in July without wasting water is all about working with nature, not against it. Simple changes like watering early, mowing smart, and improving your soil can make a big difference. Choosing drought-tolerant grass, reducing lawn size, or using smart watering systems can also help you maintain a green yard without driving up your water bill.

Whether you’re in Ontario, Alberta, or British Columbia, these tips can help you enjoy a healthy lawn through the hottest part of the year. By using water wisely and taking care of your grass the right way, your yard can stay alive and strong—even in July.