Summer Landscaping Guide for Bend, Oregon

Bend summers are beautiful but demanding on landscapes. July and August bring temperatures regularly above 90°F, low humidity, and almost no rainfall. Without the right care, lawns go dormant, plants stress, and irrigation systems work overtime. Here's how to keep your landscape healthy through the summer.

Watering: The Most Important Summer Task

Most Bend lawns need 1–1.5 inches of water per week during summer. With zero rainfall, that's entirely on your irrigation system. Water deeply and infrequently — 2–3 times per week for 20–30 minutes per zone — rather than short daily cycles.

Water in the early morning (5–8 AM) to minimize evaporation. Avoid evening watering, which keeps foliage wet overnight and promotes fungal disease — a common problem in Bend lawns.

Mowing in Summer Heat

Raise your mowing height to 3–3.5 inches during summer. Taller grass shades the soil, reduces evaporation, and protects roots from heat stress. Never remove more than one-third of the blade height in a single mowing.

Keep your mower blades sharp. Dull blades tear grass rather than cutting it cleanly, creating ragged edges that turn brown and invite disease.

Watching for Summer Lawn Problems

Summer is when lawn fungus appears in Bend. Necrotic ring spot, brown patch, and dollar spot are the most common. Look for circular brown patches, rings, or irregular discoloration. Treatment is most effective when caught early.

Grubs (larvae of beetles) can also damage Bend lawns in summer. Signs include spongy turf that lifts easily, or birds and skunks digging in your lawn. We offer grub treatment as part of our lawn care program.