As the temprature begins to rise and the fequency of rainfall is reduced, summer is a critical time to care for your lawn.
With a small amount of up-keep and maintenance, you can support your lawn in looking vibrant and lush, ensuring that your garden parties and BBQ's are the best in the neighbourhood.
Keep reading for our top tips on providing your lawn with the care it needs this summer.
Mowing your Lawn
Once summer arrives, your lawn will require frequent mowing to ensure it is looking neat and tidy throughout the season due to grass reaching the height of its growth rate during this time.
Using your Lawn Mower at least once a week will assure that your lawn is looking its best throughout the warmer months. However, it is important to note that you should not cut your grass too short during the hottest months of the year, as doing so can lead to a lack of shade in the lower levels of your turf and increase the risk of damage to grass roots.
Although we may be glad for the rare appearance of the sun, alongside tempratures above 20°C, your grass may find discomfort in the sudden change in climate.
In the event of extremely dry weather or drought, it is best to avoid mowing your lawn until the climate returns to normal. In doing so, you can avoid causing unbecessary stress and long term damage.
Watering your Lawn during Summer
As rainfall is decreased during summer, even in the UK, you may wonder: "Should I be watering my lawn?"
In short, the answer is yes, however, this is dependent on your lawn's surrounding climate. Grass is very resilient, however, it still requires essential nutrients to survive.
As a general rule, all grass should recieve at least 1 inch of water each week. This means that if you believe that your lawn has recieved less than this, it may be time to pull out the garden hose.
Before the sun reaches its height in the early morning, or before it sets completely in the evening, when your lawn is at its coolest, use a sprinkler or garden hose to evenly water your grass. By watering at this time, there is a less likely chance for moisture to be lost due to evaporation.
Moreover, it is important to keep in mind that there is a chance of overwatering, so take care not to water too frequently or too much at a time.
- Watering a New Lawn
New lawns require a little extra care throughout the summer momths. With this, it is crucial to water a new lawn every 7 - 10 days, as hot weather will increase the likelihood of essential nutrients absorbing at a heightened rate.
- Watering an Established Lawn
An established, well-worn lawn will require much less effort in comparison to a brand new one, due to the durability it has developed throughout time. This may mean that it might not even be necessary to water it at all.
However, if you notice yellow or browing spots on your grass, make sure to shower your lawn, following the above steps.
Caring for your Lawn throughout Drought
Due to the increased rate of climate change, the opportunity for drought has the ability to occur more frequently throughout summer. Drought can affect your water quantities and the health of your lawn - however, a well established and cared for lawn should be more resilient and have the capability to survive throughout periods of high tempratures.
There are a few tasks that you can carry out to combat the effects of drought and extreme tempratures in summer. During these periods, grass growth may slow and has the chance to stop completely, meaning that mowing should be avoided to prevent any further damage.
Cutting your lawn too short during periods of extreme heat can harm the roots of your lawn because of the reduction in shade from the length of grass blades. During the hottest months, you might consider avoiding mowing or changing the setting on your lawn mower to a higher cut, which will allow taller grass with deeper roots to form.
Moreover, remember to pay attention to any hose pipe restrictions during this time. A waterbutt that collects rainwater throughout the year can offer a great resource for longer dry periods and reduce the need for tap water, meaning your lawn doesn't have to suffer despite any limitations in place.
If there are no hose pipe bans in place, you can continue soaking your lawn weekly in the summer evenings or early mornings to encourage the continuation of the growth of deep and strong roots.
Fertilising your Lawn
As your lawn faces raised tempratures, its need for nutrients to promote growth increases.
By ensuring you fertilise your lawn, you provide further opportunites for the grass to develop and remain healthy before entering its dormant stage towards the end of autumn.
To encourge this, evenly sprinkle a pre-made summer lawn feed across your lawn. The best time to do this is when your lawn is damp, as it encourages the absorption of essential sustenance needed to survive.
By fertilising your lawn, you encourage the return of growth and colour across areas that need it most, after the time you spent in the garden, enjoying the sun. Although fertilisation is not a necessary step in your summer lawn care routine, it may provide an edge on the lawn of your dreams.
Before we enter autumn, make sure to provide your lawn with the care it deserves to thrive. With Brandon Hire Station's gardening equipment, it has never been easier to access the essentials to ensure your lawns growth.
