7 Ways to Make Your Yard Look Less Dead in the Middle of Summer

When the summer heat hits hard, even a well-kept yard can start looking tired and crispy. Brown patches, droopy plants, and faded flower beds show up fast when temperatures stay high. But it doesn’t have to look dead out there. With the right tweaks, you can make your yard look a whole lot greener, fresher, and better cared for—even in the worst of the heat.

Freshen Up the Edges

Clean edges instantly make a yard look better, even when the grass is struggling. It gives everything a sharper, more intentional look.

You don’t need fancy tools for this. A flat shovel or basic edging tool works. Outline flower beds, sidewalks, and driveways. Even if the grass is faded, those crisp lines make it feel maintained.

Add Mulch Where It’s Bare

Bare dirt screams neglect in the summer. Tossing down fresh mulch instantly covers problem spots and makes the whole yard look more cared for.

Mulch also helps hold moisture in, so plants suffer less from the heat. Focus on flower beds, tree bases, and anywhere the grass has given up for the season.

Water the Right Way

A lot of folks water the wrong way in the summer—short, frequent bursts that don’t do much. That leads to shallow roots and worse-looking grass.

Deep, infrequent watering is what keeps things alive. Early morning is best so the water soaks in without baking off. It won’t fix everything overnight, but it makes a big difference.

Swap Out Dead Annuals

If your annual flowers look crispy, it’s better to pull them and replace them than let them sit there sad and dry.

Swap them with heat-tough options like lantana, vinca, or marigolds. Or go for decorative pots with rocks, driftwood, or even faux greenery until the cooler weather returns.

Mow High, Not Low

Scalping the grass when it’s hot makes everything worse. Taller grass shades the soil, holds moisture better, and helps hide brown patches.

Raise your mower deck higher than you would in spring. The lawn will look thicker, even if it’s not as green as you’d like.

Clean Up Dead Branches and Weeds

A few dead branches, weed patches, or dried-up shrubs can make the whole yard look rough. Summer is a great time for a quick cleanup.

Trim back what’s clearly dead or struggling beyond saving. Bag up weeds, rake out crispy leaves, and it’ll immediately look like someone cares.

Add a Pop of Color

When the grass is struggling, shift focus to things that don’t rely on water. Bright planters, garden flags, outdoor furniture cushions, or even a painted bench can draw the eye away from brown patches.

It’s a quick, cheap way to make the yard feel cheerful and put-together, even when the heat is winning.

*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.