Things You Shouldn’t Do During a Texas Summer
Texas summers aren’t something you can mess around with. Between the heat, the drought, and the fire risk, there are a few things you’re better off avoiding altogether.
Mowing at the Hottest Part of the Day
Midday mowing will wear you out and stress the grass too.
You’ll sweat buckets, risk heat exhaustion, and burn your lawn in the process. Aim for early morning or just before sunset if you want to keep your yard—and yourself—alive.
Burning Trash or Brush
Unless you want to be the reason a wildfire kicks up, don’t burn anything during a burn ban.
Even without a ban, summer winds can carry embers fast. Always check the fire danger level first.
Working Outside Without Breaks
You may feel fine at first, but Texas heat sneaks up on you.
If you’re doing outdoor work, hydrate constantly, wear a hat, and take real breaks in the shade. Heat stroke hits hard out here.
Letting Pets Stay Outside Too Long
Dogs and livestock can overheat just as fast as you can—especially without shade or cool water.
Watch for panting, drooling, or weakness. If it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for them.
Parking on Dry Grass
Hot exhaust and dry grass don’t mix. One spark or smolder from your tailpipe can light up the whole yard.
Stick to gravel, dirt, or cleared areas in summer.
Leaving Hoses in the Sun
Metal fittings and water left inside hoses can reach scalding temps in the Texas sun.
Before watering plants or pets, run water for a few seconds to cool it down—or risk burning whatever it touches.
Ignoring Your AC Filter
When the air conditioner’s working overtime, a clogged filter can slow it down or cause it to quit altogether.
Check your filter every few weeks in summer. It’s one of the easiest things you can do to avoid bigger issues.
Skipping Sun Protection
Even short outdoor tasks can leave you with a nasty burn.
Keep sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat handy. Skin damage stacks up fast when the UV index is high every single day.
Running Equipment Without Checking Fluids
Engines run hotter in summer, and low oil or coolant will finish them off quick.
Check levels before you fire up the mower, tractor, or generator. Better safe than stuck.
Assuming Summer Rain Means Relief
A summer rain in Texas can cool things off—or crank up the humidity and make it worse.
Don’t skip your watering schedule or overwork yourself just because a quick shower rolls through.
*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.
