Kansas City summers are no joke. By the time July rolls around, our Midwest lawns are facing blazing sun, dry spells, and days that make even the hardiest grass feel stressed out. But here’s the good news: May is the perfect time to set your lawn up for success before the heat hits.
With a little prep work now, you can build resilience into your lawn’s roots, boost moisture retention, and reduce stress when summer gets serious. Here’s how to get your turf summer-ready and how Martz Bros. Lawn & Tree Doctor can help.
Why May Matters
Late spring is when your lawn is actively growing, the soil is warming up, and roots are absorbing nutrients. That makes May the ideal time to strengthen turf before summer droughts or watering restrictions kick in.
A well-prepped lawn in May can:
- Withstand drought conditions better
- Stay greener longer through July and August
- Recover faster after heat stress
- Resist weeds and pests more effectively
Think of it as giving your lawn a head start before the race.
Key Ways to Prep Your Lawn for Summer
1. Core Aeration: Let Your Lawn Breathe
Over time, foot traffic and compacted soil can suffocate your turf by reducing airflow, water absorption, and root development. Aeration relieves soil compaction, allowing water, nutrients, and oxygen to reach the root zone more effectively.
At Martz Bros., we recommend aerating in spring or fall, and May is a great window if your lawn hasn’t been treated yet this year. It’s a key step in preparing grass to survive Kansas City’s dry summer months.
2. Soil Enrichment & Treatment
Healthy soil is the foundation of a resilient lawn. If your grass is patchy, pale, or prone to weeds, the issue may be lurking underground.
Our Soil Treatment services include:
- Testing pH and nutrient levels
- Custom applications to improve soil structure
- Targeted treatments to support deeper root growth
May is the perfect time to build a healthy soil base that holds moisture and keeps roots strong during summer stress.
3. Deep Watering and Mowing Practices
Once temps start to rise, switch from frequent shallow watering to less frequent, deeper soakings to encourage roots to grow deeper. Mow high to shade the soil and prevent moisture loss, ideally keeping blades at 3 to 4 inches during the hottest months.
4. Feed Strategically
A well-timed fertilization in May can fuel root growth and increase tolerance to heat. We tailor fertilizer blends to your grass type and soil conditions to avoid overstimulation, which can cause stress later on.
Let Martz Bros. Help Your Lawn Beat the Heat
We’ve been helping Kansas City homeowners care for their lawns for over 30 years. Our team knows exactly what local lawns need in May to stay strong all summer long.
Whether it’s core aeration, soil treatment, or a customized lawn program, we’ll help your yard stand tall through the toughest months of the year — and look great doing it.
Ready to Prep for Summer?
Now’s the time. Get your lawn on track before the heat kicks in. Request an Estimate or give us a call to schedule your aeration and soil treatment services.
Let’s help your lawn not just survive summer, but thrive.
