5 Lawn Fixes Tustin Homeowners Need Before Summer Hits

#1 Repair Dry or Bare Patches Fast

You’ve seen them—those rough, brown spots that refuse to green up no matter how much you water. In Tustin, hot days and uneven watering make patchy lawns a common sight. Constant sun, daily wear, and playful pets can quickly stress out your grass. If your yard is near spots like the historic Tustin Hangars, you’ve probably noticed how local weather can stress even the best-kept grass.

To fix those dry patches, start by loosening the soil where the grass has disappeared. Then sprinkle fresh seed over the bare spots. Make sure to choose a grass blend suited for our area—something tough enough to handle heat and foot traffic. Lightly press the seed into the soil and keep it consistently damp with gentle watering.

Morning is the best time to water. This gives the seeds a chance to soak up water before the heat dries them out. With steady care, those dry patches should start filling in within two to three weeks. It’s one of the fastest ways to get your lawn looking whole again.

#2 Get Your Sprinklers Summer-Ready

If your grass looks uneven, your sprinkler system might be the reason. Tustin yards often suffer from uneven watering—some spots stay soaked, others stay dry. It’s not always obvious until it’s too late and you’re dealing with yellowing or thinning grass.

Turn on your system and watch each zone. Do all heads pop up? Is water reaching every corner evenly? A quick walk-through can reveal clogs, broken heads, or misdirected spray. Sprinkler leak indicators can help you catch small leaks before they lead to bigger problems.

While you’re at it, check the timer. Set it to run just before sunrise, when water can soak in instead of evaporating. If adjusting schedules isn’t your thing, consider switching to a smart timer that adapts automatically to local weather.

#3 Trim the Edges for a Clean, Finished Look

No matter how green your lawn is, if the edges are wild, it throws off the whole look. Overgrown borders around driveways, paths, or flower beds can make your yard seem messy, even if the grass is healthy. Crisp lines create instant polish.

Even a feng shui consultant would tell you—clean space brings a sense of harmony and balance to your home. Take your edging tool or trimmer and follow along the outer lines of your lawn. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s a tidy finish that shows you care. Edging is especially useful in concrete, where grass tends to creep over the sides.

Doing this every couple of weeks helps keep things from getting out of hand. It’s also much easier than tackling a jungle later. Regular edge work means your lawn stays sharp-looking, with minimal effort on your part.

#4 Mulch Smart Around Trees and Beds

Tustin’s heat and dry spells aren’t kind to plant roots. That’s where mulch comes in. It’s more than decoration—it helps the soil hold moisture, reduces weeds, and keeps temperatures stable around your plants.

Go for bark or wood chip mulch that breaks down slowly and blends well with your yard’s look. Avoid fine mulch that might blow away on windy days. Darker mulch tends to retain warmth and looks clean and fresh for longer.

Spread mulch in a smooth, even layer about 2 to 3 inches thick to help lock in moisture and keep weeds from sprouting. Leave a small gap around plant bases and tree trunks to prevent moisture buildup and decay. A well-mulched bed doesn’t just help your plants—it also cuts down on how often you have to water. However, too much mulch can lead to poor plant health or even plant death over time (1). So go easy with the layering. Piling mulch too high traps moisture and limits airflow to the roots, especially around trees and shrubs. 

#5 Feed Your Lawn to Boost Growth

Your grass needs nutrients to stay healthy, especially before summer arrives. Fertilizing at the right time helps it grow thicker, greener, and better able to handle the heat. Using the wrong type—or applying too much—can end up damaging your lawn instead of helping it.

Choose a fertilizer that’s suited to the specific grass type growing in your yard in Orange County. Cool-season and warm-season grasses have different needs. Spread it evenly across your lawn and follow the usage guidelines on the label.

If you prefer eco-friendly options, many organic fertilizers work well in Tustin’s soil. They slowly enrich the soil and support lasting lawn health. Just don’t overapply. It can cause yellow spots or uneven growth.

Now that you know the 5 key lawn fixes Tustin homeowners should handle before summer, you’ve got a clear plan to keep your yard healthy and good-looking. Each step is simple, doable, and built for our local conditions, so you’re not just guessing what your lawn needs.