June lawn-care checklist for North Carolina yards
As summer sets in and the humidity arrives in full force across North Carolina, your lawn needs a little extra attention to stay healthy, lush, and resilient. Whether you're in the mountains managing fescue or along the coast caring for Bermuda or Zoysia, June is a critical month for proactive maintenance. Use this quick checklist to keep your outdoor spaces looking their best.
Mow weekly, but mind your height
Routine mowing is essential in June, but cutting too low can weaken your grass, especially during hot spells.
Fescue Lawns (Mountains & Piedmont): Mow at 3.5" to 4" to promote deeper roots and protect against heat stress.
Bermuda & Zoysia Lawns (Coastal & Sandhills): Mow shorter—around 1" to 2"—but avoid scalping. Sharp blades are a must for clean cuts and healthy regrowth.
Stick to a weekly schedule, and never remove more than one-third of the grass blade in a single mow.
Watch for signs of drought stress
North Carolina summers bring occasional dry spells especially along the coast. Keep an eye out for:
Grass turning bluish-gray
Footprints lingering on the lawn after walking
Leaf blades folding inward
If you see these signs, water deeply in the early morning (before 9 a.m.), about 1 inch per week, including rainfall. Frequent, shallow watering can actually do more harm than good by encouraging shallow root growth.
Protect against post-storm fungus
Thunderstorms happen often in June and while rain is great for your lawn, leftover moisture can lead to fungal issues like brown patch (fescue) or leaf spot (Bermuda/Zoysia).
To prevent fungus:
Avoid watering in the evening
Clear yard debris and fallen branches after storms
Use a fungicide if needed, especially if you’ve had issues in past seasons
Improve airflow with regular mowing and by trimming overgrown shrubs
If you’re unsure whether you’re dealing with disease or drought, Thorpe Landscapes can help you identify and treat the problem early.
Inspect trees for summer stress and storm damage
As temps rise and thunderstorms roll through, trees can get heat stress, broken limbs, or hidden damage. June is a perfect time to assess their health, especially mature trees near your lawn, home, or outdoor living areas.
Here’s what to look for:
Wilting or scorched leaves
Hanging or cracked limbs (a hazard in storms)
Fungal growth or unusual bark shedding
Healthy trees not only protect your property but also improve the overall health of your lawn by providing balanced shade and wind protection. Our arborist services can help keep your trees strong all year round.
Let us help you take the guesswork out of summer lawn care
From mowing to arborist care and plant selection, our team serves homeowners and property managers across North Carolina with tailored maintenance plans. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and keep your property in top shape.