With global temperatures rising, this year is predicted to have the hottest weather yet leaving many of us worried for the state of our precious lawns and gardens. Our lawns are used to cool and wet weather, so the drastic change in climate and temperatures during summer months can leave them tressed and at risk of drying out.
But fear not! We’ve compiled our top tips for keeping lawns healthy and nourished throughout the hotter and drier weather.
Keep your lawn heathy all-year round!
Maintaining good lawncare practices throughout the year will give your lawn the best chance of surviving even the longest and hottest of heatwaves. If a lawn is in poor condition at the start of the summer, grass roots will be much more likely to weaken and deteriorate once the high temperatures hit. Keep on top of lawncare by regularly eliminating weeds, aerating and scarifying your lawn, and applying fertiliser throughout all the seasons – way before the summer comes! This will ensure your grass has the best chance of reviving rapidly after the summer, regardless of how hot the weather may get!
There are also many ways you can prep your garden for extreme weather earlier in the year. For example, if there is an area of grass that tends to go brown or die each summer, a cleverly placed table, parasol or tree can offer some much-needed shade and protection. You could also use a water butt to collect rainwater over the spring, so you can be both kinder to the planet and more prepared should a hose pipe ban come into effect!
Although an artificial lawn may seem like a tempting option for an easy, low-maintenance solution, these will overheat in the summer creating a risk for delicate skin on feet and paws … not to mention the all-round negative environmental effects on the planet’s essential pollinators and wildlife.
Keep the mower to hand!
In the summer months, your lawn will grow rapidly so make sure you have your mower to hand to give your grass a trim at least once a week. We have the UK’s largest range of lawnmowers so there really is something for everyone. For rapid mowing we recommend our MX3440V Cordless Mower, or the GTRM34 model is a powerful option that has 7 adjustable cutting heights and an integrated rear roller.
During a heatwave, increase the cutting height on your mower as longer grass stems will shade the soil, help capture more moisture and be able to better resist drying out. We also recommend using the mulch attachment on your mower as this will leave a fine layer of mulch on the surface of your lawn which will lock in moisture and prevent any roots from burning in the sun.
Aerate your soil
A long summer of outdoor gatherings and family garden fun can take their toll on lawns leaving them looking worse for wear as autumn hits. The SA32E 12 steel blade aerator, will help alleviate any compaction caused by heavy garden furniture or excess garden use. This will allow vital nutrients to circulate in the ground and give roots space to breathe and grow back stronger before the colder months arrive.
Be waterwise!
Lawns are hardier than you may think and can actually survive long spells of dry weather. During the summer, make sure to do an occasional heavy watering to ensure grass stays well hydrated making for a more robust lawn. However, amid a drought only water your grass if truly necessary to avoid wasting water, or being at risk of a costly fine if there are hose pipe bans in your area!
In warmer temperatures, make sure to irrigate the ground before watering to allow moisture to permeate soil roots, as otherwise, the water will simply run off without being absorbed. During a heatwave, we recommend watering early in the morning, between 6am and 8am, to reduce the amount of water evaporating at surface level during the high midday temperatures.
Give your grass a helping hand
If you are regularly watering your lawn throughout the summer, you may also be washing away essential plant nutrients from the soil. Give your grass a helping hand with a suitable lawn feed to help maintain its health and vitality. During a heatwave, make sure you choose a fertiliser that is designed specifically for hot and dry condition as these contain higher levels of potassium which improve the grass’s ability to absorb water and improves root growth.
So even though your lawn may lose some colour during the summer months…don’t panic! Regularly watering and aerating the soil will make sure your lawn fully recovers as autumn arrives. Keeping on top of lawncare throughout the year, and watering sensibly, will give your grass the strength to withstand any hot temperatures leaving you with peace of mind to enjoy all the sunny weather.
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