The temperature is well and truly creeping up which means your lawn might be copping it from those harsh rays. Now’s the time to start thinking about how you can protect your lawn from heat damage this summer. But fear not, we are here to offer some of the ways we protect our lawn from the relentless summer heat.
We recommend reducing the frequency of your lawn mowing during the warmer months and allowing your grass to grow a little longer. Longer grass will give the soil more shade – which will help reduce moisture evaporation. You want to try and avoid mowing your grass to a shorter cut as this can put stress on the roots of your lawn which can result in it turning brown or even dying off.
Summer tip: Mow in the early morning or late evening to avoid peak heat hours!
You could plant bigger trees next to your lawn, use a pergola or even patio umbrellas. Even if you have plants growing close to the lawn, don’t over-trim them but rather let them overhang as your lawn will benefit from this extra shade.
Did you know that watering your lawn at different times can affect how much moisture it receives? We recommend giving your lawn a big drink of water in the early hours of the morning as this allows the grass to absorb the moisture before the heat sets in. Alternatively, water your lawn in the late evening!
Summer tip: When watering, ensure the water is reaching down to the roots as this enables a thorough watering.
Aeration can do wonders for your lawn. We recommend getting the process out of the way in spring so that your lawn can reap the benefits once summer rolls around. Aerating your lawn relieves soil compaction, allowing water and oxygen to reach the roots of your grass which is important to reduce the risk of soil compaction.
We suggest incorporating fertilising into your spring lawn care routine as this gives your lawn the time to grow before the heat hits. If summer is already around the corner, we recommend using a slow-release fertiliser. This provides a steady supply of nutrients to your lawn without the risk of burning the grass in the heat.
Sometimes, the best thing you can do for your lawn is to give it a break. Avoid heavy foot traffic during the hottest days to prevent stressing the grass. A lot of heavy impact can result in damage so try to let your lawn rest and recover.
It is possible to keep your lawn healthy and in prime condition even in the midst of the summer heat by following these 6 tips. Our friendly team is here to help and answer any questions you may have about maintaining a thriving lawn all year round.