How to Keep Your Lawn Green in Montana’s Dry Months

Montana summers are as dry as they are beautiful. With limited rainfall, rising temperatures, and increased sun exposure, many homeowners struggle to keep their lawns healthy and green during peak summer months. At Horizon Landscape & Irrigation, we help families across Billings and beyond protect their lawns from summer stress without wasting water—or energy. With smart planning and a few key upgrades, you can maintain a lush, vibrant yard even during the driest parts of the season.

Know Your Grass Type
The foundation of a drought-tolerant lawn starts with the right seed. Cool-season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, and fine fescue are common in Montana, but some tolerate drought better than others.

Fine fescue is one of the most drought-tolerant cool-season grasses available.

Tall fescue offers deep roots that help retain moisture longer.

Bluegrass needs more care but can stay green with consistent watering and mowing.

If your lawn is patchy or always seems to suffer in July and August, overseeding with a hardier blend may help.

Water Smart, Not More
One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make during dry months is watering too often but too shallow. Instead, aim for:

1 to 1.5 inches of water per week, ideally applied over two deep watering sessions.

Early morning watering (before 9 a.m.) to reduce evaporation and fungal growth.

Smart irrigation systems that adjust based on local weather conditions.

Our team installs and maintains smart irrigation controllers in Billings that do the thinking for you—delivering just the right amount of water at just the right time.

Mow with Drought in Mind
Proper mowing habits make a big difference in how your lawn holds up to heat. During dry months:

Keep your mower blade high—around 3 to 4 inches. Taller grass shades the soil and reduces evaporation.

Avoid mowing during the hottest part of the day. Early evening or morning is best.

Leave grass clippings on the lawn. This natural mulch helps retain moisture and returns nutrients to the soil.

Dull mower blades can stress grass even more, so keep them sharpened throughout the season.

Feed Your Lawn Strategically
Fertilizing at the wrong time—or with the wrong product—can burn your lawn during dry conditions. Stick to:

Slow-release fertilizers applied in late spring or early fall.

Compost or organic soil amendments to improve moisture retention.

Soil testing to ensure your grass is getting what it needs without overloading it.

If your soil is compacted, aerating in the spring or fall can help roots grow deeper, which supports better water absorption.

Consider Lawn Alternatives for Problem Areas
If you’re constantly battling dry spots, it might be time to rethink the space. Some areas of your yard might be better suited for:

Drought-tolerant ground covers like creeping thyme or clover.

Decorative gravel or mulch beds with native shrubs and perennials.

Hardscaping like stepping stones or patios that reduce your water load.

A few small changes can cut down on maintenance while improving your landscape’s beauty and resilience.

Keep It Green Without Going Overboard
At Horizon Landscape & Irrigation, we know how precious water is in Montana—and how frustrating it is to see your lawn turn brown before summer’s halfway done. The good news is that a healthy, green lawn doesn’t have to come with a high water bill or weekly reseeding.

With the right practices—and maybe a smart irrigation system or turf update—you can enjoy a beautiful lawn that holds up all summer long. Reach out at https://horizonlandscapemt.com to book a lawn health consultation or irrigation upgrade today. Let’s make this summer your greenest yet.