Overview

In this summer mowing guide, Pacific Lawn & Pest’s lawn care specialists break down everything you need to know about keeping your lawn lush all season long in Spokane, Spokane Valley, and Liberty Lake. This guide covers everything from understanding how Spokane’s semi-arid climate affects turf growth to identifying your grass type, mowing at the right height and time of day, and knowing when to water. We also cover essential yard care tips and help you understand the benefits of leaving your lawn care in the hands of a reputable landscaping team.

Highlights

Introduction

A beautiful, healthy lawn doesn’t just happen by chance, especially in the Greater Spokane Area, where summer heat, dry spells, and a mix of grass types create unique challenges for homeowners.

Have you ever wondered why your lawn looks patchy or struggles to stay green through July and August? It likely has to do with when, how often, and how low you mow. Let’s go over what you need to know about mowing during this season.

Why Does Summer Lawn Care Matter in Spokane’s Climate?

If you’ve lived here for even one summer, you already know we get heat. Long, dry days, dusty wind, and the occasional heatwave are some things that push our lawns to the brink. While we all enjoy those golden summer evenings outdoors, our lawns? Not so much.

Unlike wetter regions where grass practically grows itself, Spokane’s semi-arid climate makes lawn care a bit of an art (and a bit of a science). The intense sun, low humidity, and minimal rainfall can quickly turn lush turf into a patchy, brittle mess if you’re not staying on top of it.

Grass here needs more than a quick mow on Saturday morning. It requires a plan. However, many homeowners overlook this part: how you mow matters. Mowing too short when temperatures spike can shock your lawn and expose it to sun damage. Waiting too long between trims can create thatch buildup, trap moisture in all the wrong places, and invite fungal issues. Even the time of day you cut your grass can affect how healthy and vibrant it looks a week later.

The good news is that once you understand how our local climate affects turf growth, you can adjust your mowing routine to work with the weather, not against it.

What Are the Most Common Grass Types Growing in Spokane Yards?

Not all grass is created equal, and in Spokane, that couldn’t be more true. If you’ve ever wondered why your neighbor’s lawn stays green while yours struggles in the heat, the answer may be as simple as the grass species you’re working with.

Most lawns here are planted with cool-season grasses. These varieties thrive in our chilly winters and bounce back in spring, but they also require special care once the dry summer heat rolls in.

Here’s a breakdown of some of the most common types you’ll find in local neighborhoods.

Kentucky Bluegrass

This is the classic choice for many homeowners. It’s known for its lush, rich green color and smooth texture. While it looks great, it needs upkeep. It loves cool temperatures and regular watering. Without both, it can go dormant fast during Spokane’s hottest weeks.

Perennial Ryegrass

Fast-growing, wear-resistant perennial ryegrass is often used in mixes to fill patches or bare spots or boost your lawn’s heartiness. It germinates fast and is an excellent option for yards with daily activity. However, it can get a little thirstier than other grass types and prefers a cooler root zone.

Tall Fescue

Tall fescue is the most Spokane-friendly option. It handles heat better than most cool-season varieties thanks to its deep rooting capabilities. It’s tough, drought-tolerant, and less demanding about frequent watering.

Knowing what kind of grass you have is key to setting your mowing height, watering schedule, and overall strategy. If you’re unsure, a local landscaper can help you identify the species you’re working with.

What’s the Ideal Lawn Mowing Height During Summer?

Cutting your grass too short can leave you with a lawn that has difficulty bouncing back from its trim during the peak of summer. Mowing it lower might seem like it means you can mow less often (and enjoy more time in the shade with a cold drink), but scalping your lawn like this does more harm than good.

During hot, dry summers, mowing height is as much about looks as it is about survival. Grass kept too short struggles to hold moisture, burns more easily under direct sun, and develops shallower roots. That means more stress, more browning, and a greater chance of weeds taking over.

But how high is high enough?

The One-Third Grass Cutting Rule

This rule is gold. Never remove more than one-third of each grass blade in a single mow. Cutting more than that at once shocks your lawn and stunts root growth. These are two things you really want to avoid when the sun is unforgiving.

Ideal Summer Mowing Heights by Grass Type

In terms of specific mowing heights by grass type:

  • Kentucky Bluegrass: 2.5” to 3”
  • Perennial Ryegrass: 2.5” to 3”
  • Tall Fescue: 3” to 3.5” (or even a bit higher in drought conditions)

If you’re unsure where to start, aim on the higher side. Taller grass shades your soil, retains moisture better, and encourages deeper roots. This is everything your lawn needs to stay healthy in July and August.

What’s the Best Time of Day To Trim Your Grass?

Early morning mowing (ideally between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m.) is the sweet spot. By this time, the morning dew has usually dried, your grass is upright and easy to cut, and temperatures are still comfortable for you and your turf.

If you can’t get to it in the morning, early evening (4 p.m. to 6 p.m.) is your next best option. The sun is less intense, and your lawn has time to cool off and settle before nightfall. Just be sure to finish with enough daylight left to avoid dew and dampness.

How Often Should You Mow?

In summer, mowing timing is everything. Let your grass grow too long, and you risk clumpy, uneven cuts and thatch buildup. Mow too frequently, and you might stress your turf during stretches of dry heat.

For most lawns, mowing once every 7 days during peak growing season (late May through July) is ideal. This schedule helps maintain consistent grass height without removing too much at once.

Should You Water Your Lawn Between Mows?

Yes, but with consideration. Limited rainfall and frequent water restrictions in Eastern Washington mean homeowners need to water strategically.

Deep, infrequent watering is more effective than daily light sprinklings.

Here’s how to do it:

  • Avoid hydrating your lawn directly before or after a trim
  • Water early in the morning (between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m.)
  • Stick to 1 to 1.5 inches of water each week (if needed, split this into two sessions)

What Are Some Yard Care Tips for a Healthier, Greener Lawn?

When you want that rich green look to last through the dog days of summer, it helps to round out your efforts with a few smart maintenance habits.

Here are some of our favorite region-specific tips to keep your grass happy, even when the weather isn’t:

  • Alternate your mowing patterns
  • Keep your mower blades sharp
  • Check your lawn thatch layer and dethatch when buildup becomes too thick
  • Feed your lawn intuitively (if you missed summer fertilization, consider a light, slow-release fertilizer in early summer to help support root development and stress tolerance)

Why Hire a Local Lawn Care Pro?

Let’s be honest. Maintaining a lawn during the summer can feel like a second job. Between juggling mowing schedules, fine-tuning watering routines, and keeping up with edging and seasonal changes, it’s no wonder many homeowners consider bringing in the pros.

Is hiring a lawn care service worthwhile? For many, the answer is a clear yes, especially for those short on time, unsure about the best practices, or who want a yard that looks its absolute best.

Here are the benefits:

  • Use of professional-grade equipment
  • Early identification, diagnosis, and treatment of lawn issues
  • Licensed and insured technicians
  • Tailored mowing services to local grass growth conditions and your preferences
  • Cost-effective and convenient

Keep Your Spokane Lawn Summer Ready

Creating and maintaining a healthy, green lawn in the Greater Spokane Area takes more than occasional weekend mowing. With our hot, dry summers, cool-season grasses, and variable soil conditions, staying ahead of your lawn’s needs requires strategy, consistency, and the right tools.

From adjusting your mowing height and frequency to understanding the best times to trim and water, every detail matters. Add in region-specific challenges like drought, compacted soil, and thatch buildup, and it’s easy to see why many local homeowners feel overwhelmed.

You don’t have to do it alone. Let Pacific Lawn & Pest take care of your summer lawn maintenance checklist and help you avoid all the common mistakes that undo all the hard work you’ve put into your lawn.

Contact us at (509) 218-1775 today to schedule your lawn evaluation or sign up for regular maintenance services customized for your yard and budget.