Late summer in Massachusetts is a time when warm days begin to give way to cooler evenings, the kids head back to school, and homeowners start thinking about prepping their properties for the fall. But don’t pack away your garden tools just yet—late summer is one of the most important times to care for your lawn.
At Barrios Landscaping, we’ve spent years helping homeowners across the Greater Boston area maintain lush, healthy lawns through every season. If you want your yard to thrive into fall and bounce back stronger next spring, late summer lawn care is essential.
In this guide, we’ll cover the best late-summer lawn care practices tailored to Massachusetts’ unique climate, soil conditions, and seasonal transitions.
🌾 Understanding Your Bostons Lawn in Late Summer
Massachusetts is located in USDA hardiness zones 5b to 7a, depending on the region, with a cool-season climate. This means that most grasses commonly found here—such as Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, and fine fescue—grow best in spring and fall when temperatures are moderate.
By late August and early September, summer stress can start to take its toll on your lawn:
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High temperatures cause cool-season grasses to go dormant or thin out
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Drought conditions may leave dry, brown patches
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Weeds like crabgrass and clover tend to peak
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Insects such as grubs may begin damaging grassroots
With the right care, however, late summer can be a time of renewal and preparation.
✅ Late Summer Lawn Care Checklist
1. Assess the Damage
Start by walking your property and evaluating the overall health of your lawn. Look for:
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Thinning grass or bald patches
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Yellow or brown spots
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Weeds that have taken over
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Areas that are overly compacted or waterlogged
At Barrios Landscaping, we recommend a quick lawn health inspection every few weeks during late summer to track problem areas and adjust care routines accordingly.
2. Mow Smart, Not Short
Mowing is still necessary in late summer, but your technique matters.
Best Practices:
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Raise your mower blades to 3–4 inches: Taller grass shades the soil, helps retain moisture, and reduces weed germination.
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Keep blades sharp to avoid tearing grass blades, which can stress the lawn.
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Follow the 1/3 Rule: Never cut more than one-third of the grass height at a time.
Avoid mowing during extreme heat or drought. It’s best to mow early in the morning or in the evening when temperatures are cooler.
3. Water Deeply and Infrequently
Late summer often brings dry conditions. To prevent drought stress:
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Water early in the morning (5 AM–9 AM) to reduce evaporation and fungal growth
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Aim for 1–1.5 inches of water per week, including rainfall
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Water deeply, not daily: Deep soaking encourages roots to grow deeper, making your grass more resilient
If your town in Massachusetts has water restrictions in place (as some do during dry spells), make the most of allowed watering days by soaking the soil thoroughly.
4. Control Weeds Before They Seed
Late summer is prime time for crabgrass, clover, dandelions, and other broadleaf weeds. If left unchecked, they’ll go to seed and cause bigger problems next spring.
What to do:
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Spot treat with selective herbicides safe for cool-season grasses
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Hand-pull or dig out weeds by the root for small infestations
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Mow with a bag to prevent spreading weed seeds
Pro Tip: Avoid using pre-emergent weed control in late summer if you’re planning to seed your lawn in early fall—it can interfere with new grass growth.
5. Aerate for Healthier Roots
Core aeration is one of the most beneficial services you can give your lawn in late summer or early fall. Over the course of the summer, foot traffic and heat can cause soil compaction, making it hard for water and nutrients to reach the roots.
Benefits of aerating now:
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Opens up compacted soil
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Improves air, water, and nutrient flow
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Prepares the lawn for overseeding
At Barrios Landscaping, we typically recommend aerating your lawn between late August and mid-September in Massachusetts. We use professional-grade core aerators to maximize the benefits.
6. Overseed to Fill in Bare Patches
If your lawn has thinned out due to summer stress, late summer is an ideal time to overseed. Cooler nights and still-warm days make the conditions just right for seed germination.
Steps to take:
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Choose a seed blend compatible with your existing grass
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Aerate first, then apply seed evenly with a broadcast spreader
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Water lightly and consistently until germination (10–14 days)
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Avoid mowing until the new grass reaches at least 3 inches
Overseeding thickens your turf and helps crowd out future weeds.
7. Fertilize for Fall Recovery
While spring feeding jump-starts growth, late summer or early fall fertilization supports root development and prepares your lawn for the colder months.
Use a slow-release, nitrogen-rich fertilizer that’s appropriate for your grass type. Avoid over-fertilizing, which can lead to disease and weak growth.
Many Massachusetts homeowners time their feeding between Labor Day and mid-October. Not sure which fertilizer to use? Barrios Landscaping offers soil testing and personalized fertilization plans.
8. Look Out for Grubs and Lawn Pests
Grubs—larvae of Japanese beetles—start feeding aggressively on grassroots in late summer. If your lawn suddenly feels spongy or lifts up like a carpet, it may be time to act.
Signs of grub damage:
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Patches of dead grass that roll up easily
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Increased animal activity (skunks, raccoons digging for grubs)
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Birds pecking more than usual at your lawn
Grub control treatments are most effective in August and early September, before the grubs mature and go deeper into the soil.
9. Start Planning for Fall Clean-Up
Massachusetts’ famous foliage may be beautiful, but all those falling leaves can smother your lawn if not managed properly. Late summer is a great time to:
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Check your leaf blowers and tools
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Schedule seasonal clean-ups with a local professional
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Consider mulching leaves to add organic matter to your soil
At Barrios Landscaping, we offer affordable, reliable fall clean-up packages for homeowners across the Greater Boston region.
🍁 The Boston Advantage: Why Late Summer Matters
Homeowners in Massachusetts have the advantage of distinct seasons—and with it, the opportunity to strategically plan lawn care for maximum results.
By focusing on late summer maintenance, you’re not only helping your lawn recover from the stress of July and August, but you’re also setting it up for a strong, resilient fall and an even better spring.
Late summer care ensures that:
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Your lawn enters winter well-fed and deeply rooted
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Weeds and pests are under control
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Bare patches are filled before cold weather sets in
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Your landscape looks tidy and vibrant well into October
👨🌾 How Barrios Landscaping Can Help
At Barrios Landscaping, we know that every lawn is different—and Massachusetts weather doesn’t always play fair. That’s why we offer customized lawn care services designed for your property, your grass type, and your goals.
Whether you need:
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Core aeration and overseeding
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Fertilization plans
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Grub and weed control
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Weekly mowing and maintenance
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Seasonal clean-ups
We’ve got your lawn covered from late summer through every season.
📞 Let’s Get to Work
Don’t wait until your lawn is beyond repair. The best time to take action is now.
Contact Barrios Landscaping today for a free lawn assessment and discover how we can help you manage, revive, and transform your lawn through late summer and beyond.
