Summer is when we all want to enjoy the outdoors, basking in the warm sunshine and relishing the beauty of nature. One of the key things that contribute to the charm of our outdoor spaces is a well-maintained garden lawn! With the scorching heat and intense sunlight that summer brings, providing extra care will ensure your lawn remains lush and vibrant. Below we offer practical solutions to help you can maintain your oasis of green during the glorious heat of summer!
When to water grass
The first part of our summer lawn care guide is on when to water your lawn. Watering is the backbone of a healthy lawn, and during summer, it’s even more important you stay on top of it! To ensure your grass seed receives adequate hydration, water deeply and infrequently. This encourages strong root growth, making your grass more resilient during very hot weather.
Watering in the early morning or late evening is ideal as it minimises evaporation. Remember not to overwater your lawn because it will create a shallow root system that will be more susceptible to grass disease.
Mowing with Care
Taking the time to mow your lawn correctly will significantly boost its health during the summer months. Taller grass shades the soil, reducing water evaporation and inhibiting weed growth. It’s a good idea to make sure your lawnmower blades are sharp to make clean cuts and prevent damage to the grass. Avoid mowing during the hottest hours of the day, as this can stress the lawn. We also advise adjusting the cutting height so you only cut a third off its height each time you mow, but keep reading for more information on how tall your grass should be after mowing.
Summer grass cutting heights
As a general guideline, it is recommended to trim only one-third of the height of your grass, which will remove the top section and give your lawn an even and tidy appearance. But you can adjust your mowing schedule and habits accordingly depending on the grass type.
Cutting a typical everyday lawn in summer:
If your lawn serves as the focal point of your home and hosts various events during the summer, it’s important to mow it appropriately. Lawns that get used a lot will benefit from being mowed to 20-40mm in height. This height will maintain a neat look without excessively reducing the lawn’s surface and will keep your lawn lush and full while promoting strong and thick growth.
If you have used our Fast Grow Family Lawn, Tough Stuff Lush Lawn, or New Build Dream Home products, mowing at the height of 20-40mm will be suitable for these lawns.
Summer mowing for a high-end, VIP lawn:
If you have opted for our Super Fine Luxury Lawn, which features a finer and more decorative appearance, the regular mowing height used for everyday lawns may not be suitable. This grass grows and looks better when you reduce the mowing height to 10-20mm. This will result in a precise and close cut, giving your lawn a pristine finish reminiscent of a Wimbledon tennis court or the garden of a stately home.
You can find more information in our guide on mowing stripes into your lawn.
Regardless of the mowing height, it’s important not to leave your lawn unattended for more than 10 to 14 days between cuts, as this can make it more vulnerable to weed growth.
Aerate your lawn
Regular aeration of your lawn, either by hand using a lawn fork or a lawn aerator, will help your grass breathe and stop it from getting compacted due to summer garden activities. Aerating a lawn involves creating small holes in the soil to improve air circulation and help it absorb nutrients and water.
Dethatching is another task you can do at the same time to keep your lawn healthy. Doing this helps remove accumulated dead grass and debris hindering healthy growth.
Both these practices combine to enhance the health of your grass for a strong and vibrant lawn during the summer months!
Lawn feeding and weed control
Feeding your lawn the right nutrients will help combat weeds and common lawn diseases while boosting its growth. A 16-week summer lawn food will provide a steady supply of nutrients to keep it growing strong all summer long!
Summer is also a time when weeds tend to show their faces! So, if weeds are giving your grass a hard time, you can use a lawn feed and weed (like our 3 IN 1 Lawn Rescue) to boost your grass’s nutrients while keeping the weeds at bay.
Our Oh So Green 6-week lawn food is a fast-acting fertiliser that quickly packs your grass full of nutrients to make your lawn gorgeously green.
Protection from Pests and Diseases
The rise in heat and humidity during the summer months creates an environment that can encourage the growth of pests and diseases in your lawn. Inspect your grass regularly for signs of pest infestation or disease, such as brown patches or wilting grass. Most of these lawn problems can be stopped in their tracks with proper watering, regular mowing and soil aeration.
Tips for summer lawn care
A beautiful lawn is an aesthetically pleasing space to relax, play, and connect with nature. By following our essential tips for summer lawn care, you can ensure your outdoor space remains vibrant and inviting throughout the season. Remember that a well-maintained lawn requires a bit of effort and attention, but the rewards are well worth it. So, go ahead and invest your time and care in nurturing your lawn this summer, and enjoy the benefits of a lush green lawn for you and the family to enjoy!
Let us know if you have any questions about summer lawn care, and send us a message if you would like advice about the unique issues your lawn is presenting, and we will happily discuss the solution with you.