Beat the Heat This Summer with Tips from Norwich Lawn Care Experts

Hey Norwich homeowners! I’m Steve Bousquet, owner of American Landscape & Lawn Science, and after 41 years in the lawn care business here in Norwich and Eastern Connecticut, I’ve seen my share of brutal summer heat waves. This summer has been particularly challenging for our cool season lawns across Norwich, Madison, and the surrounding areas. I recently watched a fantastic video from The Lawn Care Nut (Alan Hayne) that really hit home on summer heat management, and I wanted to share some insights that apply specifically to our Connecticut climate and soil conditions.

As the University of Connecticut soil testing labs’ biggest customer, we’ve learned a lot about how our local soils and grass types respond to heat stress. Here in Norwich and the shoreline communities, we’re dealing with sandy loam soils that present unique challenges during heat waves, but with the right approach, your lawn can not only survive but thrive.

Why Connecticut Heat Waves Hit Different

What makes heat waves particularly tough here in Norwich is our humidity combined with those sandy loam soils we have throughout Eastern Connecticut. When temperatures climb above 90°F for days on end, our Kentucky bluegrass and tall fescue lawns are operating at maximum stress levels. Add in the coastal humidity from Long Island Sound, and you’ve got conditions that can really test your lawn’s limits.

After working with over 3,000 customers and maintaining a 90% retention rate, I can tell you that the lawns that survive these heat waves best are the ones on our organic-based programs. The reason? We build soil health over time, which gives grass deeper, stronger root systems that can handle stress better.

The Water-Based Advantage During Heat Waves

One thing that sets our approach apart from other companies is our use of water-based treatments instead of petroleum-based products. During heat waves, this becomes critically important. Petroleum-based fertilizers can actually stress your lawn more during extreme heat, while our water-based organic applications work with your lawn’s natural defense systems.

Here’s what I tell customers during heat waves: do absolutely nothing to your lawn except water it. No fertilizing, no weed treatments, no extra applications of anything. Your lawn is already maxed out dealing with the heat.

Smart Watering for Norwich Lawns

The key to getting through a heat wave is consistent, smart watering. In our sandy loam soils here in Eastern Connecticut, water moves through pretty quickly, so you need to adjust your approach:

• Water every morning during sustained heat: Aim for about half an inch each time
• Consider afternoon syringing: Light misting in the afternoon can cool stressed grass, but don’t overdo it
• Water deeply but not too frequently: Our soils drain well, so you want to encourage deep root growth

Mowing During Heat Stress – A Local Perspective

Look, I get it. You’ve got neighbors in Norwich and Madison who keep their lawns looking like golf courses, and there’s pressure to keep up. But during a heat wave, you need to resist the urge to mow low. Set your mower to its highest setting and let that grass grow tall.

If you absolutely have to mow – maybe you’re dealing with HOA rules or you’ve been away – do it in the evening when temperatures drop. And whatever you do, keep watering daily after you mow to help the grass recover.

When Lawns Go Dormant – Don’t Panic

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, your lawn will go into summer dormancy. I see this panic in customers’ eyes when they call the office, but Meg (our customer service manager who’s been with us for 7 years) and I always tell them the same thing: it’s going to be okay.

Summer dormancy is your lawn’s natural way of protecting itself. The key is commitment – if you’re going to bring it out of dormancy, you need to stick with daily watering for at least three days, then every other day for a week. Don’t go back and forth, because that actually weakens the grass more than just letting it stay dormant.

The Long-Term View – Building Heat Resistance

What I’ve learned over four decades in this business is that the lawns that handle heat waves best are the ones that have been properly cared for all season long. Our All-American program, which 65% of our customers choose, includes liquid organic aeration that helps grass develop deeper, stronger root systems.

Those deeper roots, combined with the soil health we build through our compost-based fertilizers, give lawns the resilience they need when the heat hits. It’s not about quick fixes – it’s about building a lawn that can handle whatever Connecticut weather throws at it.

Why Our Approach Works in Eastern Connecticut

After working with the University of Connecticut soil testing labs for years and doing soil tests on every single lawn we service, I can tell you that our local conditions require a specialized approach. The combination of our climate, soil types, and grass varieties means you can’t just follow generic advice from other parts of the country.

That’s why we focus on:

• Water-based treatments that work better in heat
• Organic soil building that creates heat resistance
• Precise application timing based on local conditions
• Individual soil testing for pH and nutrient needs

Your Lawn Will Bounce Back

Here’s something I always remind customers: lawns are incredibly resilient. I’ve seen lawns that looked completely dead in August come back lush and green by October. The key is not to panic and not to try too many things at once during the heat.

With over 100 five-star reviews and customers who’ve been with us for decades, I can tell you that patience and consistency are your best tools during a heat wave. Follow these watering guidelines, resist the urge to do more, and trust that your lawn will recover when cooler weather returns.

If you’re dealing with heat stress on your lawn here in Norwich, Madison, or anywhere in Eastern Connecticut, remember that we’re always here to help. Sometimes the best advice is the simplest: water consistently and let your lawn rest.